The military government of Burkina Faso declared on Friday, June 26, the termination of diplomatic relations with France, citing Paris’s failure to uphold commitments to mutual respect and non-intervention, according to a statement by Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo on state television.
Tensions between Ouagadougou and Paris have escalated sharply since the army and Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power in a September 2022 coup. This deterioration was highlighted by Burkina Faso’s demand for the withdrawal of French troops stationed in the West African nation and the expulsion of several diplomats, including the French ambassador to Ouagadougou.
In its effort to broaden alliances, Burkina Faso has strengthened ties with Russia and its two neighbours, Mali and Niger, both also under military regimes.
Paris considers reciprocal measures
The announcement on Friday drew an immediate response from Paris. France on Saturday denounced what it called a “unilateral,” “hostile and unfounded” decision by Burkina Faso and is reviewing “appropriate reciprocal measures,” the French foreign ministry said in a statement.
“France regrets this hostile and baseless decision, which illustrates the troubling trajectory of the Burkinabe authorities. The necessary reciprocal measures are being examined,” the Quai d’Orsay declared, urging French citizens in the country to exercise “enhanced vigilance.”
