The full withdrawal of French diplomatic personnel from Burkina Faso has now been completed, a move anticipated and aligned with the plan set forth by Ouagadougou. This follows the unilateral declaration on June 26 by Captain Ibrahim Traoré‘s government, which severed diplomatic ties with France. Burkina Faso’s authorities accused Paris of “incessant activism” detrimental to its national interests and of backing “subversive networks.”

Following this announcement, France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Quai d’Orsay, summoned Burkina Faso’s chargé d’affaires in Paris. During the meeting, the French government communicated, “in a spirit of reciprocity,” that Burkinabè diplomatic staff were also required to depart France within a seven-day period, concluding this past Monday evening.

Ouagadougou’s leadership has consistently leveled accusations against France, claiming support for terrorist groups. Paris has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them “completely false.” The Quai d’Orsay further asserted, “We unequivocally condemn all terrorist attacks and reaffirm our unwavering support for the populations, who bear the primary brunt of the ongoing crisis.”

This definitive break in diplomatic relations marks the culmination of a series of events, including the prior departure of French military forces from Burkina Faso, the recall of France’s ambassador from Ouagadougou, and the Burkinabè authorities’ growing engagement with alternative international partners, notably Russia.