France finalizes diplomatic departure from Burkina Faso

The reciprocal withdrawal of Burkinabè diplomats from France and French diplomats from Burkina Faso has concluded as planned, aligning with the strategic directive set forth by Ouagadougou. This diplomatic shift follows the regime of Captain Ibrahim Traoré‘s unilateral announcement on June 26, declaring the termination of diplomatic relations with France. Ouagadougou accused Paris of “incessant activism” against its national interests and of providing support to subversive networks.

In response to this declaration, Burkina Faso’s chargé d’affaires in Paris received a summons. During this meeting, the Quai d’Orsay, France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, communicated a demand for reciprocity: Burkinabè diplomatic personnel were also required to depart France within a seven-day period, a deadline that expired this past Monday evening.

Burkinabè authorities continue to allege that France is backing terrorist organizations. Paris vehemently refutes these claims, characterizing them as “completely false” accusations. The Quai d’Orsay emphasized its strong condemnation of all terrorist attacks and reiterated France’s unwavering support for the populations, who bear the brunt of the ongoing crisis in the region.

This significant diplomatic rupture follows a series of escalating events, including the prior withdrawal of French military forces from Burkina Faso, the recall of France’s ambassador from Ouagadougou, and the Burkinabè authorities’ increasing alignment with new international partners, notably Russia.