Burkina Faso diplomats depart Paris following diplomatic rupture with France

Breaking news.

All twelve Burkinabè diplomats stationed in France have returned to Ouagadougou, marking the official closure of Burkina Faso’s embassy in Paris. This move follows the announcement of severed diplomatic relations between the two nations, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Formal closure of diplomatic mission

Upon their return, the diplomats handed over Burkina Faso’s national flag and the keys to the Paris embassy to Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré. The government emphasized that this decision signifies the definitive end of Burkina Faso’s diplomatic presence in France, while dismissing circulating rumors about asylum requests from any staff members.

Diplomatic breakdown and reciprocal measures

Burkina Faso announced the rupture of diplomatic relations with France on June 26. In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, French diplomats were expelled from Ouagadougou in early July, while their Burkinabè counterparts were given until July 6 to leave French territory. Ouagadougou justified this decision by citing what it described as France’s « incessant activism » against its national interests. Paris, in turn, condemned the move as an « unfounded and hostile » act.

Evolving international alliances

Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s ascent to power in September 2022, Burkina Faso has progressively distanced itself from its former French partner. Following the withdrawal of French military forces, Ouagadougou has strengthened ties with alternative partners including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.