Burkina Faso has officially severed diplomatic relations with France. Paris has condemned the move as “hostile and baseless” and is considering reciprocal measures.
Tensions between Ouagadougou and Paris have escalated to a new level. On Friday, June 26, Burkina Faso announced the severance of diplomatic ties with France, marking another milestone in the deteriorating relationship between the West African nation and its former colonial power.
In a statement broadcast on national television, Burkina Faso’s authorities accused the French government of “incessant activism against the interests of Burkina Faso” and of displaying “neocolonial ambitions” by actively supporting “subversive networks and terrorists who bring mourning to our country and the Sahel.”
Ouagadougou emphasized that the decision “targets exclusively the institutional framework of relations between the two states on the diplomatic level” and “does not in any way call into question the historical, human, cultural and social ties that unite the Burkinabe and French peoples.” The government also reaffirmed “its commitment to ensuring the protection of nationals.”
France considers reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso’s move
Acknowledging the “unilateral decision,” the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over a move it described as “hostile and baseless,” while noting that reciprocal measures are under consideration.
“French authorities are paying close attention to the safety of state personnel in the country and the French community residing in Burkina Faso. In this particular context, they call on French nationals to exercise heightened vigilance,” said French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux.
Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré came to power through a coup d’état in September 2022, relations between Burkina Faso and France have steadily deteriorated. Ouagadougou has notably secured the withdrawal of French forces from its territory, denounced military cooperation agreements, and suspended several French media outlets.
Burkina Faso, a member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) alongside Mali and Niger, has concurrently strengthened partnerships with new allies, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
