TheCable

David Otto, an international counter-terrorism expert, has advised the government of Burkina Faso to learn from the successes recorded by the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, if they hope to end terrorism in the country.

Otto said under the leadership of Buratai, the Nigerian Army has recorded tremendous progress in the fight against terrorism.

He said Burkina Faso has a lot to learn from Nigeria’s Army chief if they are to win the war against jihadists groups in the country.

He gave the advise when granting an interview on Al Jazeera.

“Burkina Faso has become weakest link due to jihadists influence. They moved towards Burkina Faso as unprepared, due to ungoverned spaces,” he said.

“From 2015 with Lieutenant Ganeral Yusuf Buratai, they made a lot of progress. They need to learn from other African countries like Nigeria that are fighting jihadists.

“Burkina Faso seems to have been run down by the jihadists and there seems to be no answers, the French are really not helping.”

He said the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) is one of the most dangerous groups operating in the region.

He further said other militia groups linked to the herdsmen/farmers crisis are also threatening the region.

Otto charged Burkina Faso to act fast to drive jihadists out of the region.

He described the situation as bad, but called on Burkina Faso leaders to look for a counter Insurgency strategy, which they don’t have at the moment.