The French military operation in Burkina Faso assigned to quell an escalating Islamist insurgency has been declared to have come to an end, according to the country's official announcement.

The chief of General staff of Burkina Faso and the commander of the French Sabre force were present for the event, which was described as sombre and held in a military barracks.

Burkina Faso allowed France a month in January to remove its 400 special forces.

After a coup last year, their presence has lost favour with demonstrators who are flying Russian flags.

Burkina Faso disputes reports that Russian mercenaries are already present there.

It's conceivable that, like its neighbour Mali, it will depend more and more on Moscow.

Russian mercenaries essentially took the role of French troops last year.

They are doing a fantastic job, according to Mali. Independent proof points to the contrary.