In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic hostilities, the military-led government of Burkina Faso, under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has formally severed all diplomatic ties with France.
All French diplomats stationed in Ouagadougou have been recalled to Paris as of last weekend, with the Burkinabè diplomatic personnel in France required to depart by July 6, according to a statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The decision follows a unilateral announcement by Burkina Faso on June 26 to cut relations with France. The French government summoned the Burkinabè chargé d’affaires in Paris last Monday, emphasizing that in a spirit of reciprocity, Burkinabè diplomats would also be given seven days to leave the country.
The Quai d’Orsay expressed strong disapproval of the move, calling it an “unfounded and hostile decision” that reflects “worrying trends” within Burkina Faso‘s leadership. “We have taken the necessary steps in response,” the ministry stated firmly.
French authorities also firmly rejected allegations that they support terrorist groups—claims that were used to justify the diplomatic rupture. “These accusations are entirely baseless,” a spokesperson clarified. “We condemn all terrorist attacks and violence against civilians in the Sahel, and reaffirm our unwavering support for the affected populations.”
The ministry highlighted France‘s long-standing commitment to combating terrorism globally, noting the heavy sacrifices made in this fight. It also urged French citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise heightened caution in light of the deteriorating security environment.
Current consular records indicate over 2,000 French nationals registered in Burkina Faso, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè nationals reside in France.
escalating anti-western stance under Ibrahim Traoré
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who rose to power through a coup in September 2022, has pursued a distinctly sovereignist and anti-Western agenda in Ouagadougou. His administration has cracked down on dissent and distanced itself from Western partners, particularly France.
As early as 2023, the junta demanded the recall of the French ambassador, Luc Hallade, and terminated a long-standing military cooperation agreement with Paris, leading to the withdrawal of French troops that had been instrumental in combating jihadist groups plaguing the region for over a decade. Since then, Burkina Faso has increasingly aligned with alternative partners, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
