Burkina Faso has formally announced the termination of its diplomatic engagement with the French Republic, a significant move confirmed by an official communiqué issued on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The government of Burkina Faso has communicated to both national and international observers its decision to end diplomatic relations with France, effective June 26, 2026. This pivotal step follows a comprehensive review of the current state of bilateral relations between the two nations. The official statement highlighted that the fundamental conditions necessary for fostering relations built on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, adherence to the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs, and national sovereignty were no longer present.
The communiqué from the Burkinabè government elaborated on its justification, detailing a series of grievances directed at the current French administration.
Among the cited issues were what the government described as France’s relentless efforts against Burkina Faso’s national interests, overt neocolonial ambitions, and active support for subversive groups and terrorist entities responsible for destabilizing the nation and the broader Sahel region. The statement also condemned what it perceived as deceitful and biased narratives about Burkina Faso, designed to portray it as an outcast within the international community. In response to these perceived imperialistic aims to dominate the country and subjugate its populace, the government asserted its commitment to responsibility and national sovereignty. It further clarified that this decision pertains exclusively to the institutional framework of diplomatic relations between the two states, and does not diminish the enduring historical, human, cultural, and social ties shared by the Burkinabè and French peoples.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING THE CESSATION OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN BURKINA FASO AND THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
The Government of Burkina Faso hereby informs national and international opinion of its decision to sever diplomatic relations with the French Republic, effective today, June 26, 2026.
This measure comes after an exhaustive assessment of the existing bilateral ties between Burkina Faso and France. It has become clear that the prerequisites for nurturing relations founded on mutual respect, reciprocal confidence, the principle of non-interference in internal matters, and national sovereignty have ceased to exist.
This unsatisfactory situation is exemplified by, among other factors, the persistent actions of the current French administration that run counter to Burkina Faso’s interests, its overt neocolonial aspirations including active backing of subversive networks and terrorist groups causing distress across our nation and the Sahel, and the duplicitous and prejudiced commentary and viewpoints disseminated about our country, aiming to isolate it within the global community.
Confronted by these imperialistic designs for national dominance and the subjugation of our people, we have chosen a path of accountability and self-determination. The Government wishes to underscore that this decision in no way undermines the deep-rooted historical, human, cultural, and social connections binding the Burkinabè and French populations. Its scope is strictly confined to the institutional diplomatic framework between the two sovereign states.
The Government reassures both national and international communities of its steadfast resolve and commitment to safeguarding French nationals and all expatriates residing in Burkinabè territory, reiterating its hospitality and ensuring the preservation of their interests. It calls upon all citizens to demonstrate responsibility, restraint, and civility towards French residents and all foreign nationals within Burkina Faso, in strict observance of the Republic’s laws.
The Government reaffirms its dedication to pursuing an independent foreign policy, characterized by the diversification of its partnerships, the strengthening of South-South cooperation, the cultivation of balanced relationships with all nations, and the active promotion of global peace, security, and sustainable development.
The Government of Burkina Faso remains open to constructive dialogue with all states of the international community, provided such engagement is rooted in mutual respect, reciprocity, sovereign equality, and the protection of each nation’s legitimate interests. It stands committed to collaborating with all peace-loving and justice-seeking nations to forge a world that is free, more equitable, and more unified.
The Government Spokesperson,
Pingdwendé Gilbert OUEDRAOGO
Officer of the Order of the Stallion
