France has completed the withdrawal of all its diplomats from Burkina Faso, a move announced by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in early July. This decision follows Ouagadougou’s unilateral decision to sever all diplomatic ties with Paris, marking a significant escalation in the strained relations between the two nations.

The last French diplomats left Burkina Faso “late last week,” while Burkinabe diplomatic staff in France have been given a seven-day deadline to leave the country, effective as of Monday evening. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed this reciprocal action after summoning Burkina Faso’s chargé d’affaires in Paris following the June 26 announcement of the diplomatic rupture.

France condemns “hostile” decision by Burkina Faso

The French Foreign Ministry expressed strong disapproval of Burkina Faso’s move, calling it an “unfounded and hostile decision” that reflects a concerning shift in the country’s leadership. “We have drawn the necessary conclusions,” the ministry stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Paris also firmly denied allegations—repeatedly made by Ouagadougou—that France supports terrorist groups in the region. These claims, described as “completely false,” were cited as a key factor in the diplomatic rupture. The ministry reiterated its condemnation of all terrorist attacks and violence against civilians in the Sahel, reaffirming its commitment to supporting affected populations.

“France’s global fight against terrorism is widely recognized,” the ministry noted, “and the country has paid a heavy price for this engagement.”

Heightened vigilance for French nationals

The French government has urged its citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise increased caution in light of the deteriorating security environment. According to official records, over 2,000 French nationals are registered with the consulate in Ouagadougou, while more than 6,000 Burkinabe nationals reside in France.

The junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, has pursued a sovereignist agenda, cracking down on dissent and distancing itself from Western partners, particularly France. Ouagadougou has accused Paris of “relentless activism” against its interests, though it insists that relations between the two peoples remain unaffected.

Since taking control, the military government has repeatedly challenged France’s influence in the region. In 2023, it demanded the recall of France’s ambassador in Ouagadougou, condemned a military agreement with Paris, and secured the withdrawal of French troops, which had been assisting in the fight against jihadist groups plaguing the country for over a decade.

The regime has since intensified its rhetoric against France and sought new alliances, including with Russia, Turkey, and Iran.