The military government of Burkina Faso announced on Friday, June 26, that it is breaking off diplomatic relations with France, accusing Paris of failing to uphold commitments of mutual respect and non-interference, according to a statement by Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo on Burkinabe state television.
Relations between Ouagadougou and Paris have deteriorated sharply since the army and Captain Ibrahim Traoré came to power through a coup in September 2022. This decline was marked by the demand for the withdrawal of French soldiers deployed in the West African country and the expulsion of diplomats, including the French ambassador to Ouagadougou.
In its push to diversify partnerships, Burkina Faso has notably moved closer to Russia and its two neighbors, Mali and Niger, both also governed by military regimes.
Paris considers reciprocal measures
The decision announced this Friday quickly drew a response from Paris. On Saturday, France denounced the “unilateral,” “hostile and baseless” move by Burkina Faso and is considering “reciprocal measures,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“France regrets this hostile and unfounded decision, which illustrates the worrying drift of the Burkinabe authorities. The necessary reciprocal measures are under review,” the Quai d’Orsay said, calling on French nationals in the country to exercise “enhanced vigilance.”
