Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta has declared a severance of diplomatic ties with France, accusing Paris of engaging in activities detrimental to Burkinabè national interests.

Relations between Ouagadougou and its former colonial power have seen a marked decline since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a 2022 coup. Since then, his administration has pursued a foreign policy characterized by forging new partnerships and openly criticizing Western influence.

In a televised statement delivered on Friday, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, leveled accusations against France, citing its “incessant activism” against the nation and condemning its “neocolonial ambitions.”

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly denounced the decision as “hostile and unfounded,” suggesting it reflected a “worrying drift” in the Burkinabè authorities’ stance.

France also urged its citizens residing in Burkina Faso to exercise heightened vigilance amidst the escalating diplomatic tensions.

Burkina Faso, much like its neighbor Mali, has grappled with a jihadist insurgency for over a decade. For several years, French forces played a role in counter-terrorism operations across the region before their eventual withdrawal from the country.

Following his ascent to power, Captain Traoré demanded the departure of French soldiers stationed in Burkina Faso, alleging that Paris was pursuing a “hidden agenda.” Ouagadougou has since cultivated closer ties with nations such as Russia and China.

In its official communiqué announcing the diplomatic rupture, the Burkinabè government asserted that the conditions for “mutual respect” between the two nations no longer existed. Specifically, it accused France of backing “subversive networks” and attempting to marginalize Burkina Faso on the international stage.

However, the authorities clarified that this decision pertains solely to the “institutional framework of relations” and does not undermine the “historical, human, cultural, and social ties” shared between the Burkinabè and French peoples.

The junta had initially pledged a return to constitutional order by 2024, a deadline that was not met. In January 2025, the authorities also announced the dissolution of all political parties.

That same year, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—three nations currently under military rule—officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

France has not maintained an ambassador in Burkina Faso since January 2023. In 2024, Ouagadougou expelled three French diplomats, accusing them of “subversive activities,” allegations that Paris vehemently denied.