Burkina Faso's military junta has officially severed diplomatic ties with France, accusing the French government of acting against its national interests. The announcement was made by communications minister Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo in a televised statement on Friday.
Relations between Burkina Faso and France deteriorated after Capt Ibrahim Traore seized power in a coup in 2022. Since then, the junta has pursued anti-Western policies, leading to heightened tensions.
Ouédraogo stated that France has engaged in "ceaseless activism" against Burkina Faso, alleging that it harbors "neo-colonial ambitions." In response, the French foreign ministry called the decision "hostile and unfounded," highlighting a troubling shift in the Burkinabe government's stance.
France has advised its nationals in Burkina Faso to exercise heightened vigilance. The two countries have a history of military cooperation, particularly in combating an Islamist insurgency that has plagued the region for over a decade.
Following his rise to power, Capt Traoré expelled French troops and accused France of having a "secret agenda." The junta has since pivoted towards China and Russia for support.
The Burkinabe government claims that conditions for mutual respect no longer exist with France. It alleges that France supports "subversive networks" aimed at marginalizing Burkina Faso internationally.
Despite severing diplomatic ties, the statement emphasized that this decision does not affect the historical, cultural, and social connections between the Burkinabe and French peoples.
Burkina Faso has pledged to restore democracy by 2024 but has since dissolved political parties and broken away from the regional bloc Ecowas in January 2025, forming a new alliance with Mali and Niger. France has not had an ambassador in Burkina Faso since January 2023.
