France withdraws all diplomats from Burkina Faso amid escalating tensions

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all French diplomats stationed in Burkina Faso have been recalled to France as of early July. This move follows Burkina Faso’s decision to sever all diplomatic ties with France, marking a significant escalation in the strained relationship between the two nations.

All French diplomatic staff based in Burkina Faso returned to France “late last week,” while Burkina Faso’s diplomatic personnel in France are required to leave by Monday evening, July 6, as stated by the French Foreign Ministry. The chargé d’affaires of Burkina Faso in Paris was summoned to the ministry last week following Ouagadougou’s unilateral decision on June 26 to cut diplomatic relations with France.

“In a spirit of reciprocity, Burkina Faso’s diplomatic staff in France have been notified that they must depart within seven days,” the Quai d’Orsay stated.

France deplores Burkina Faso’s “hostile” decision

France has expressed strong disapproval of Burkina Faso’s move, calling it an “unfounded and hostile” decision that reflects the country’s concerning political trajectory. “We have drawn the necessary conclusions from this situation,” the French Foreign Ministry emphasized.

The ministry also firmly denied allegations—repeatedly made by Burkina Faso’s authorities—that France supports terrorist groups in the region. “These claims are entirely false,” it stated, adding that France condemns all terrorist attacks and violence against civilians in the Sahel.

France reiterated its long-standing commitment to combating terrorism globally, noting that it has paid a heavy price in this struggle. The ministry also expressed solidarity with the civilian populations of the Sahel, who continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing crisis.

Heightened vigilance for French nationals in Burkina Faso

The French Foreign Ministry has called on French citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise heightened caution. Over 2,000 French nationals are registered with the consulate in Burkina Faso, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè citizens reside in France.

Burkina Faso’s transitional government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré since a coup in September 2022, has pursued a sovereignist agenda, cracking down on dissent and adopting an increasingly anti-Western stance, particularly toward France. Ouagadougou has accused Paris of “relentless activism” against its interests, though it has insisted that the dispute does not affect the relationship between the two peoples.

Since assuming power, the junta has taken several steps to distance itself from France, including demanding the recall of France’s ambassador to Burkina Faso, Luc Hallade, denouncing a military agreement with Paris, and securing the withdrawal of French troops that had been fighting jihadist groups for nearly a decade.

The government has since intensified its rhetoric against France and sought new alliances with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.