France withdraws all diplomats from Burkina Faso amid escalating diplomatic crisis

All French diplomats stationed in Burkina Faso returned to France “late last week,” while Burkinabè diplomatic staff must leave France by Monday evening, July 6, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday.

The chargé d’affaires of Burkina Faso in Paris was summoned to the French ministry last Monday, following Ouagadougou’s unilateral announcement on June 26 to cut diplomatic relations with France.

“In a spirit of reciprocity, Burkinabè diplomatic personnel have been notified that they must leave France within seven days,” the Quai d’Orsay clarified, setting the deadline for Monday evening.

France deplores “hostile” decision

“We deeply regret this hostile and unfounded decision, which reflects the alarming trajectory of Burkina Faso’s current authorities,” the Quai d’Orsay stated. “We have drawn the necessary conclusions,” it added.

The French ministry also refuted claims that it supports terrorist groups, calling such allegations “completely false”—a narrative used by Ouagadougou to justify severing ties with Paris.

“We strongly condemn all terrorist attacks and the atrocities committed against civilians in the Sahel,” the ministry stated. “We reaffirm our full support for the affected populations, who bear the brunt of the ongoing crisis.”

The Quai d’Orsay emphasized that France’s commitment to combating terrorism worldwide “is widely recognized,” adding that the country has paid a heavy price for this engagement.

Heightened vigilance for French nationals

“In this context, we urge French nationals to exercise heightened vigilance,” the ministry added.

Over 2,000 French citizens are registered with the consulate in Burkina Faso, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè nationals reside in France.

The Burkinabè junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré who seized power in a September 2022 coup, has pursued a sovereignist agenda, cracking down on dissent and adopting an adversarial stance toward Western nations, particularly France.

Since assuming power, the junta has accused Paris of “relentless activism” against Burkina Faso’s interests. However, it has maintained that relations between the two peoples remain unaffected.

In 2023, the junta demanded the recall of France’s ambassador to Ouagadougou, Luc Hallade, and rejected a military agreement with Paris. It also secured the withdrawal of French troops, which had long been involved in combating jihadist groups plaguing the country for over a decade.

The regime has since escalated its rhetoric against France, turning to alternative partners such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.