France has confirmed the complete withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel from Burkina Faso, finalizing a process that began with Ouagadougou’s initiative. This move follows the Burkinabè authorities’ earlier decision to recall their own diplomats from France, aligning with a pre-established diplomatic roadmap.

On June 26, the government led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré unilaterally announced a severance of diplomatic relations with France. Ouagadougou accused Paris of what it termed “incessant activism” against its national interests and alleged support for various “subversive networks.”

In response to this declaration, the Burkinabè chargé d’affaires in Paris was summoned by the French Foreign Ministry, known as the Quai d’Orsay. During this meeting, the French government communicated, “in a spirit of reciprocity, that Burkinabè diplomatic personnel would also need to depart France within seven days,” setting the deadline for this past Monday evening.

Authorities in Ouagadougou have consistently leveled accusations against France, claiming it provides backing to terrorist organizations. Paris vehemently refutes these allegations, characterizing them as “completely false.” The Quai d’Orsay further emphasized, “We unequivocally condemn all terrorist attacks and reiterate our unwavering support for the populations, who are the primary victims of the ongoing crisis.” This significant development in African politics underscores evolving dynamics in West Africa news.

This diplomatic rupture follows a series of escalating tensions, including the earlier departure of French military forces from Burkina Faso and the recall of France’s ambassador from Ouagadougou. Concurrently, Burkinabè authorities have been actively forging closer ties with new international partners, most notably Russia.