Burkina Faso, under the leadership of military junta chief Ibrahim Traoré, declared on Friday its decision to sever diplomatic relations with Paris. This significant move marks a further deterioration in the relationship between the two nations.

All French diplomats stationed in Burkina Faso have now returned to France, having departed “late last week,” the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs confirmed. Concurrently, Burkinabè diplomatic personnel have been instructed to leave France by Monday, July 6, in a reciprocal measure.

The Chargé d’affaires for Burkina Faso in Paris was summoned to the French ministry last Monday. This followed Ouagadougou’s unilateral announcement on June 26 regarding its decision to break diplomatic ties with France. In a move reflecting reciprocity, the Burkinabè diplomatic staff were informed they had seven days to depart France, a deadline expiring this Monday evening, as stated by the Quai d’Orsay.

The Quai d’Orsay expressed profound regret over this “hostile and baseless decision,” which it views as indicative of a troubling trajectory adopted by the Burkinabè authorities. “We have drawn the necessary conclusions,” the ministry emphasized.

Furthermore, the French ministry vehemently refuted any allegations of French support for terrorist groups, dismissing them as “completely false.” These claims were notably cited by Ouagadougou as justification for the breakdown in relations with Paris.

France firmly condemns all terrorist attacks and the atrocities committed against civilians across the Sahel region. The nation reiterated its unwavering support for the local populations, who bear the brunt of the ongoing crisis.

The Quai d’Orsay underscored France’s globally recognized commitment to combating terrorism, a struggle for which it has paid a significant price. In light of the current situation, French nationals residing in Burkina Faso are urged to exercise heightened vigilance.

According to ministry figures, over 2,000 French citizens are registered on the consular list in Burkina Faso, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè nationals reside in France.

Incessant Attacks and Shifting Alliances

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power through a coup d’état in September 2022, has implemented a staunchly sovereignist policy in Ouagadougou. This approach is characterized by repression against dissenting voices and a marked hostility towards Western nations, particularly France. The Burkinabè government has accused Paris of “incessant activism” detrimental to its interests, though it maintains that relations between the two peoples remain unaffected.

As early as 2023, just months after assuming control, the junta demanded the recall of France’s ambassador to Ouagadougou, Luc Hallade. It subsequently renounced a military agreement with Paris and secured the withdrawal of French forces, who had long been engaged in counter-jihadist operations that have plagued the country for a decade. Since then, the regime has intensified its criticisms of France while forging partnerships with new allies such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.