France, Jan. 29 -- Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou on Saturday in support of the ruling junta, days after France confirmed its special forces there would withdraw.

Packing Nation Square in central Ouagadougou, protesters held signs bearing slogans including "Down with imperialism", "Down with French policy in Africa" and "Forwards for Burkina's sovereignty".

Former colonial power France has special forces based in Ouagadougou, but its presence has come under intense scrutiny as anti-French sentiment in the region grows.

Paris confirmed last week that the troops, deployed to help fight a years-long jihadist insurgency, would leave within a month.Two coup d'etats in one year

It was anger within t...