On Friday, June 26, Burkina Faso’s military government announced the severance of diplomatic ties with France. Minister of Communication Gilbert Ouedraogo made the declaration on state television, accusing Paris of failing to uphold commitments to mutual respect and non-interference.
Relations between Ouagadougou and Paris have been steadily declining since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power in a September 2022 coup. The deterioration became evident when Burkina Faso demanded the withdrawal of French soldiers stationed in the West African country and expelled several diplomats, including the French ambassador.
In an effort to diversify its partnerships, Burkina Faso has moved closer to Russia and its two neighbors, Mali and Niger, both also under military rule.
France weighs retaliatory steps
The decision announced Friday drew an immediate response from Paris. On Saturday, the French foreign ministry denounced the “unilateral, hostile and baseless” move by Burkina Faso and said it is considering reciprocal measures. The Quai d’Orsay called on French nationals in the country to exercise “heightened vigilance.”
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