In early January 2023, unconfirmed reports circulated that France would announce the departure of the French special forces dubbed ‘Operation Sabre’ stationed in Kamboinsin, on the outskirts of the Burkinabe capital, Ouagadougou. The complete withdrawal is expected to occur in February. The announcement came amid ferocious demands from the Burkinabe public for France to withdraw its troops from the country against the background of alleged contracting of the Russian Wagner group.