Ouagadougou- Burkina Faso’s military government has officially severed diplomatic relations with France, marking the latest and most dramatic deterioration in ties between the West African nation and its former colonial ruler.
The announcement, made on Friday by Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo, accused France of repeatedly acting against Burkina Faso’s national interests and failing to respect the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in the country’s internal affairs.
The decision took immediate effect.
In a statement broadcast on state television, the junta alleged that Paris was pursuing “neo-colonial ambitions” and supporting “subversive networks” and “terrorists,” though it did not provide evidence to support the claims. France has consistently denied similar accusations in the past.
The Burkinabe government said the diplomatic rupture applies only to relations between the two states and does not affect the historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between the citizens of Burkina Faso and France.
France expressed regret over the move, describing it as a “hostile and unfounded decision” that reflects what it called the “worrying drift” of Burkina Faso’s authorities.
The French Foreign Ministry said it was considering reciprocal measures and advised French nationals in Burkina Faso to exercise heightened vigilance.
Relations between the two countries have steadily worsened since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a 2022 military coup.
Since then, Burkina Faso has expelled French troops, ended military cooperation agreements, ordered French diplomats to leave and strengthened ties with Russia while distancing itself from Western allies.
The diplomatic break comes as Burkina Faso continues to battle a prolonged Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions across the Sahel region.
Despite the junta’s pledge to improve security after taking power, violence by armed groups has persisted while rights organisations have also raised concerns over alleged abuses committed by government forces.