Burkina Faso officially terminates diplomatic relations with France, effective June 26, 2026.

The Government of Burkina Faso has formally announced its decision to sever diplomatic ties with the French Republic, effective June 26, 2026. This significant move, confirmed via an official communiqué, follows a comprehensive assessment of the current state of bilateral relations between the two nations. The government stated that the fundamental conditions required for fostering relations built on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are no longer present.

Ouagadougou justified its decision by outlining a series of grievances against the current French authorities. The communiqué highlighted what it described as “incessant activism” by the French regime, working against the interests of Burkina Faso. It further accused France of displaying “neocolonial ambitions,” including active support for “subversive networks and terrorists” that have caused widespread suffering in Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. The government also cited the “perfidy and partiality” of French discourse and opinions concerning Burkina Faso, which it believes aimed to isolate the nation within the international community.

In response to these perceived “imperialist aims of domination” and attempts to “enslave our people,” Burkina Faso has chosen a path of “responsibility and sovereignty.” The government emphasized that this decision exclusively targets the institutional framework of diplomatic relations between the two states and does not in any way undermine the historical, human, cultural, and social bonds that exist between the Burkinabè and French peoples.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN BURKINA FASO AND THE FRENCH REPUBLIC

The Government of Burkina Faso informs national and international opinion of its decision to sever diplomatic relations with the French Republic, effective this day, June 26, 2026.

This decision follows an in-depth evaluation of the current state of bilateral relations between Burkina Faso and France. Indeed, the indispensable conditions for promoting relations founded on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, adherence to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are no longer met.

This situation manifests, among other things, through the incessant activism of the current French regime against the interests of Burkina Faso, its explicit neocolonial ambitions, including active support for subversive networks and terrorists causing distress in our country and the Sahel. Furthermore, the perfidy and partiality of speeches and opinions regarding our nation aim to portray it as an international pariah.

Faced with these imperialist aspirations to dominate our country and subjugate our people, we have chosen responsibility and sovereignty. The Government wishes to underscore that this decision in no way calls into question the historical, human, cultural, and social ties uniting the Burkinabè and French peoples. It exclusively targets the institutional framework of diplomatic relations between the two states.

The Government reassures national and international opinion of its willingness and commitment to ensure the protection of French nationals, to whom it reaffirms its hospitality, as well as the preservation of their interests. It urges all citizens to demonstrate responsibility, restraint, and civility towards French nationals and all expatriates residing on Burkinabè soil, in strict compliance with the laws of the Republic.

The Government reaffirms its determination to pursue an independent foreign policy, founded on the diversification of its partnerships, the strengthening of South-South cooperation, the development of balanced relations with all states, and the promotion of peace, security, and sustainable development.

The Government of Burkina Faso remains open to dialogue with all states of the international community based on mutual respect, reciprocity, sovereign equality, and the defense of legitimate interests. It remains committed to building a free, more just, and more united world with all peace and justice-loving nations.

The Government Spokesperson,

Pingdwendé Gilbert OUEDRAOGO
Officer of the Order of the Stallion