The military government of Burkina Faso announced on Friday, June 26, the severance of diplomatic relations with France, citing Paris’s failure to uphold commitments of mutual respect and non-interference, according to a statement from 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 coup in September 2022. This deterioration was highlighted by the demand for the withdrawal of French soldiers deployed in the West African country and the expulsion of diplomats, including the French ambassador to Ouagadougou.
In its effort to diversify partnerships, Burkina Faso has notably strengthened ties with Russia and its two neighbours, Mali and Niger, both also governed by military regimes.
Paris considers reciprocal measures
The announcement on Friday drew a swift reaction from Paris. On Saturday, France condemned the ‘unilateral,’ ‘hostile and baseless’ decision by Burkina Faso and is considering ‘measures of reciprocity,’ the French foreign ministry said in a statement.
‘France regrets this hostile and baseless decision, which illustrates the worrying drift of the Burkinabe authorities. The necessary reciprocal measures are under review,’ the Quai d’Orsay stated, calling on French nationals in the country to exercise ‘enhanced vigilance.’
