Burkina Faso severs diplomatic ties with France
Crédit photo, Reuters
Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta has declared the formal rupture of diplomatic relations with France, accusing Paris of engaging in actions that undermine the national interests of the Burkinabè people.
The relationship between Ouagadougou and its former colonial power has seen a significant decline since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a 2022 coup d’état. Since then, his administration has pursued a foreign policy characterized by forging closer ties with alternative international partners and openly challenging Western influence.
In a televised address on Friday, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, leveled accusations against France, citing “incessant activism” directed at the nation and condemning what he described as “neocolonial ambitions.”
France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly condemned the move as an “unfounded and hostile” decision, suggesting it highlighted a “worrying deviation” in the policies of the Burkinabè authorities.
French authorities also urged their citizens residing in Burkina Faso to exercise “increased vigilance” in light of the developments.
For over a decade, Burkina Faso, much like its neighbor Mali, has grappled with a persistent jihadist insurgency. French forces were actively involved in counter-terrorism operations across the region for several years before their eventual withdrawal from the nation.
Following his ascent to power, Captain Traoré demanded the departure of French soldiers stationed in Burkina Faso, alleging that Paris was pursuing a “hidden agenda.” Since then, Ouagadougou has cultivated closer relationships with nations such as Russia and China.
In its official communique announcing the diplomatic severance, the Burkinabè government asserted that the conditions for “mutual respect” between the two nations no longer existed. Specifically, it accused France of backing “subversive networks” and attempting to marginalize Burkina Faso on the global stage.
However, authorities clarified that this decision pertains exclusively to the “institutional framework of relations” and does not diminish the “historical, human, cultural, and social ties” shared between the Burkinabè and French populations.
The junta had initially pledged a return to constitutional order by 2024, a deadline that was ultimately not met. Furthermore, in January 2025, the authorities declared the dissolution of all political parties.
In the same year, Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger — three nations currently governed by military regimes — formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish the Alliance of Sahel States.
France has not maintained an ambassador in Burkina Faso since January 2023. In 2024, Ouagadougou expelled three French diplomats, accusing them of “subversive activities,” allegations which Paris vehemently denied.
