Burkina Faso has officially severed its diplomatic ties with France, a move Paris condemns as “hostile and unfounded,” indicating that reciprocal measures are under consideration.

Tensions between Ouagadougou and Paris have reached a critical point. On Friday, June 26, Burkina Faso announced the rupture of its diplomatic relations with France, signaling a significant deterioration in the relationship between the West African nation and its former colonial power.

In a statement broadcast on national television, Burkinabè authorities accused the current French regime of “incessant activism” against Burkina Faso’s interests. They further cited “neocolonial ambitions displayed through active support for subversive networks and terrorists” who, they claim, bring sorrow to their country and the broader Sahel region.

Ouagadougou clarified that this decision “exclusively targets the institutional framework of diplomatic relations between the two states” and “in no way undermines the historical, human, cultural, and social bonds uniting the Burkinabè and French peoples.” The authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the protection of French nationals residing in Burkina Faso.

France considers reciprocal measures following Burkina Faso’s decision

Acknowledging this “unilateral decision,” the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret, characterizing the move as “hostile and unfounded.” A spokesperson for French diplomacy, Pascal Confavreux, confirmed that potential reciprocal measures were currently under review.

Confavreux emphasized that “French authorities are paying close attention to the safety of state personnel present in the country and the French community residing in Burkina Faso.” Given the particular circumstances, he urged all French nationals to exercise “reinforced vigilance” during this period of heightened diplomatic strain. This development adds to the complex tapestry of Sahel current affairs, with significant implications for Mali, Niger, and Burkina reporting.

Relations between Burkina Faso and France have steadily worsened since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a coup d’état in September 2022. Ouagadougou has progressively pushed for the withdrawal of French forces from its territory, formally denounced military cooperation agreements, and suspended several French media outlets operating within its borders.

Burkina Faso, a prominent member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) alongside Mali and Niger, has simultaneously sought to diversify its international partnerships. The nation has notably strengthened its ties with new allies, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran, reshaping regional dynamics on the ground in the Sahel.