Burkina Faso has formally cut its diplomatic ties with France, a move Paris has condemned as an “unfounded and hostile decision,” indicating it is considering reciprocal actions.

The relationship between Ouagadougou and Paris has reached a critical juncture. On Friday, June 26, Burkina Faso announced the official termination of its diplomatic relations with France, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing deterioration of ties between the West African nation and its former colonial power.

In a statement broadcast on national television, Burkinabè authorities accused the French administration of “incessant activism against the interests of Burkina Faso,” citing “neo-colonial ambitions” and alleged “active support for subversive networks and terrorists” that have caused devastation in the 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,” reaffirming its “commitment to ensuring the protection of French nationals.”

France contemplates reciprocal measures

Acknowledging this “unilateral decision,” the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret, characterizing it as “hostile and baseless.” The ministry further noted that it was evaluating potential reciprocal measures in response.

Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for French diplomacy, stated, “French authorities are paying close attention to the safety of state personnel present in the country and the French community residing in Burkina Faso. In this particular context, they urge French nationals to exercise heightened vigilance.”

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

Burkina Faso, a key member of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) alongside Mali and Niger, has simultaneously forged stronger partnerships with new international allies, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.