France withdraws all diplomats from Burkina Faso amid rising tensions

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the withdrawal of all its diplomats from Burkina Faso, marking a significant escalation in bilateral relations. The decision follows Ouagadougou’s unilateral decision to sever diplomatic ties with Paris, a move described by French authorities as “hostile” and “without foundation.”

All French diplomats stationed in Burkina Faso have returned to France by the end of last week, while Burkinabè diplomatic staff in Paris have been ordered to leave the country by tonight, July 6th. The French Foreign Ministry stated that the Burkinabè chargé d’affaires in the capital was summoned to the Quai d’Orsay last Monday, following Ouagadougou’s announcement on June 26th to break off diplomatic relations with France.

“In a spirit of reciprocity, we informed the Burkinabè side that their diplomatic personnel must also leave France within seven days,” the ministry clarified. The deadline expires tonight.”

A decision met with strong condemnation

“We deeply regret this hostile and baseless decision, which reflects the alarming drift of Burkinabè authorities,” the French Foreign Ministry stated. “We have drawn the necessary conclusions,” it added, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

France has categorically denied allegations of supporting terrorist groups in Burkina Faso, calling the claims “completely false.” These accusations were among the key reasons cited by Ouagadougou for severing ties with Paris. The ministry emphasized its firm condemnation of all terrorist attacks and violence against civilians in the Sahel, reaffirming its unwavering support for affected populations.

“France’s commitment to the global fight against terrorism is widely acknowledged, and our nation has paid a heavy price for this engagement,” the statement noted.

Heightened vigilance for French nationals

The French Foreign Ministry has urged French citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise extreme caution in light of the current tensions. According to official records, over 2,000 French nationals are registered with the consulate in Ouagadougou, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè citizens reside in France.

Since seizing power in a coup in September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has pursued a sovereignist agenda in Burkina Faso, clamping down on dissent and adopting an increasingly adversarial stance toward Western powers, particularly France.

The junta has accused France of “relentless activism” against its interests, though it insists that relations between the two peoples remain unaffected. Early in 2023, the regime demanded the recall of France’s ambassador to Ouagadougou, Luc Hallade, and later secured the departure of French military forces, which had been engaged for years in combating jihadist groups plaguing the country for over a decade.

The Burkinabè government has since intensified its rhetoric against France, pivoting toward alternative partners, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.