Burkina Faso’s military government announced on Friday, June 26, that it is severing all diplomatic relations with France, accusing Paris of failing to honour commitments of mutual respect and non-interference. The declaration was made by Communication Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo on state television.
Relations between Ouagadougou and Paris have been steadily declining since the army and Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a September 2022 coup. The deterioration became evident when Burkina Faso demanded the withdrawal of French troops stationed in the West African nation and expelled several diplomats, including the French ambassador.
In an effort to broaden its international partnerships, Burkina Faso has increasingly turned to Russia and two neighbouring military-led states, Mali and Niger.
Paris weighs ‘reciprocal measures’
France reacted swiftly, condemning the move as “unilateral, hostile and unfounded.” In a statement released Saturday, the French Foreign Ministry announced it is considering reciprocal measures and urged French citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise heightened vigilance.
