Burkina Faso has officially cut diplomatic ties with the French Republic, as announced in a government communiqué released on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The government stated that the decision follows a thorough assessment of the current state of bilateral relations between Burkina Faso and France. It said the essential conditions for a relationship based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are no longer present.
According to the official statement, this situation is reflected by the persistent activism of the French regime against Burkina Faso’s interests, openly neocolonial ambitions, active support for subversive networks and terrorist groups that bring grief to the country and the Sahel region, as well as biased and treacherous discourse aimed at isolating Burkina Faso internationally.
COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN BURKINA FASO AND THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
The Government of Burkina Faso hereby informs national and international opinion that it has decided to break off diplomatic relations with the French Republic effective this day, 26 June 2026.
This decision follows an in-depth evaluation of the current state of bilateral relations between Burkina Faso and France. The essential conditions for fostering ties based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, respect for the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are no longer met.
This state of affairs is reflected, among other things, by the incessant activism of the current French regime against the interests of Burkina Faso, openly displayed neocolonial ambitions, active support for subversive networks and terrorists who bring mourning to our country and the Sahel, and the treacherous and biased discourses and opinions about our country aimed at making it a pariah of the international community.
Faced with these imperialist designs to dominate our country and subjugate our people, we have chosen responsibility and sovereignty. The Government emphasizes that this decision in no way affects the historical, human, cultural, and social ties that unite the Burkinabe and French peoples. It targets exclusively the institutional framework of relations between the two states at the diplomatic level.
The Government reassures national and international opinion of its will and commitment to ensure the protection of nationals, reaffirms its hospitality, and guarantees the preservation of their interests. It calls on all citizens to show responsibility, restraint, and civic-mindedness toward French nationals and all expatriates living on Burkinabe soil, in strict compliance with the laws of the Republic.
The Government reaffirms its determination to pursue an independent foreign policy based on diversification of partnerships, strengthening South-South cooperation, developing balanced relations with all states, and promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.
The Government of Burkina Faso remains open to dialogue with all states of the international community on the basis of mutual respect, reciprocity, sovereign equality, and the defense of each party’s legitimate interests. It remains committed to building, with all peace- and justice-loving nations, a free, fair, and more united world.
The Government Spokesperson,
Pingdwendé Gilbert OUEDRAOGO
Officer of the National Order of the Stallion
