After years of strained relations, the military regime in Burkina Faso announced on Friday it had severed diplomatic ties with France, accusing the former colonial power of “incessant activism” against its national interests.
Relations between Ouagadougou and Paris have been steadily deteriorating since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power through a coup in September 2022.
Since then, the junta has enforced a sovereignist agenda, cracking down on dissent and adopting a confrontational stance toward Western nations, particularly France.
Ouagadougou denounces ‘incessant activism’
“The government of Burkina Faso informs the national and international community that it has decided to break off diplomatic relations with the French Republic effective this June 26, 2026,” a statement read on national television Friday.
The military junta accused “the incessant activism of the regime in place in France against the interests of Burkina Faso, along with displayed neocolonial ambitions backed by active support for subversive networks and terrorists who bring mourning to our country and the Sahel.”
The official statement stressed that this decision “applies exclusively to the institutional framework of relations between the two states on the diplomatic level.” It “does not in any way call into question the historical, human, cultural and social ties that unite the Burkinabe and French peoples,” the government said, reaffirming “its commitment to ensuring the protection of nationals.”
Paris expresses regret and firmness
France reacted swiftly, saying it “regretted” a decision it called “hostile and baseless” from the military authorities. This move “illustrates the concerning drift of the Burkinabe authorities,” the French foreign ministry added, stating that “the necessary reciprocal measures are under review.”
More than 2,000 French citizens are registered with the consulate in Burkina Faso, while over 6,000 Burkinabe nationals live in France.
The announcement comes as this landlocked Sahel nation has been ravaged for a decade by deadly jihadist violence carried out by armed groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State organization.
Earlier this week, the European Union ambassador to Burkina Faso, Philippe Bronchain, was summoned to Ouagadougou after the European Parliament adopted a critical resolution.
Political crackdown and new alliances
As early as 2023, Burkina Faso demanded the recall of French Ambassador Luc Hallade, denounced defense agreements, and secured the withdrawal of French special forces engaged in the anti-jihadist fight.
Several foreign media outlets, particularly those based in France, were also suspended either temporarily or permanently.
In response, France suspended its development aid, budget support, and visa issuance for students from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
These three countries, all led by juntas, have left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) confederation and have turned to new military partners, primarily Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
On the domestic front, the junta under Ibrahim Traoré maintains an authoritarian turn. Journalists, judges, and critical civil society members are frequently subjected to abductions or forced conscription to the front lines.
On Thursday, a new tightening was announced: all Burkinabe students wishing to pursue their studies abroad must now obtain prior authorization from their supervisory ministry.
More Stories
Burkina Faso and the quest for true sovereignty after breaking with France
DRC civil society groups unveil ‘Kasangulu manifesto’ as citizen roadmap for national renewal
Gabon land reform: state avoids liability in new property framework