Diplomatic relations between France and Burkina Faso have officially collapsed, with Paris announcing the immediate withdrawal of all its diplomatic personnel from Ouagadougou and reciprocal measures against the West African nation. This decisive move follows Burkina Faso’s unilateral decision to cut ties with France, announced on June 26.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Burkinabè chargé d’affaires in the capital on June 30, where officials delivered a clear message: all Burkinabè diplomatic staff in France must leave the country within seven days. The decision aligns with the principle of reciprocity in international relations, as Burkina Faso had already expelled French diplomats.

Paris also firmly rejected accusations from Ouagadougou, which claimed that France supports terrorist groups in the region. A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry stated these allegations are completely unfounded and emphasized France’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in the Sahel. The ministry reiterated its strong condemnation of all acts of violence against civilians across the region.

In light of the escalating tensions, the French government has advised its nationals in Burkina Faso to exercise extreme caution. With over 2,000 French citizens residing in Burkina Faso and more than 6,000 Burkinabè living in France, the potential impact on both communities remains a significant concern.

The breakdown in relations did not occur overnight. Since the September 2022 coup that brought Captain Ibrahim Traoré to power, tensions have steadily worsened. The current military government in Ouagadougou has pursued a policy of asserting national sovereignty, frequently criticizing Western powers—particularly France—and accusing Paris of undermining Burkina Faso’s interests.

In 2023, Burkina Faso took further steps to distance itself from France, demanding the recall of its ambassador and terminating the military cooperation agreement that allowed French forces to combat jihadist groups in the country. Since then, Ouagadougou has increasingly shifted its alliances toward new partners, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.