Burkina Faso’s military government have cut off diplomatic ties with France, their former colonial power and a longtime security ally, according to Reuters.
In an official statement, the junta announced on Friday that it severed diplomatic ties with Paris with immediate effect, accusing the European country of pursuing “blatant neo-colonial ambitions” and active support for “subversive networks” and terrorists” without offering evidence.
In response, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said that his country regretted the “hostile and unfounded decision,” noting that the step reflected “the worrying drift of the Burkinabè authorities.”
“Necessary reciprocal measures are currently under review,” he said.
At the same time, Confavreux added that French authorities were currently monitoring the security of its diplomatic staff and citizens in Burkina Faso, urging French nationals to exercise heightened caution.
Burkina Faso has been gripped by long decades of violence involving extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the ISIS group. Meanwhile, government forces have repeatedly faced allegations of extrajudicial killings.
It remained unclear what practical consequences the severing of diplomatic ties would have or how it would influence the French Embassy in Burkina Faso.
Souring Diplomatic Relations
The two countries have experienced years of deteriorating diplomatic relations.
Burkina Faso’s military rulers have previously targeted foreign diplomats, particularly French officials, accusing them of acting against the country’s interests. In 2023, the junta also asked Paris to recall its ambassador and declared the United Nations‘ resident and humanitarian coordinator persona non grata. Moreover, it expelled three French diplomats over alleged subversive activities.
France had been Burkina Faso’s main security partner until the 2022 military coup. Subsequently, the junta expelled hundreds of French troops that were primarily deployed to help combat extremist groups.
Analysts say the violence has worsened under the military government, despite its promise to restore security.
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