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| Diplomatic relations between France and Burkina Faso have steadily declined since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power following a coup in September 2022. |
Paris has formally severed ties with Ouagadougou after the Burkinabè military government announced on June 26 its decision to end diplomatic relations with France. On June 30, French authorities summoned the Burkinabè chargé d’affaires in Paris to deliver a decisive response.
In retaliation to Burkina Faso’s ultimatum, France ordered the immediate withdrawal of all Burkinabè diplomatic personnel from its territory within seven days, invoking the principle of reciprocity. This move underscores the gravity of the situation and marks a significant escalation in the diplomatic standoff.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically denied accusations made by Ouagadougou that Paris supports terrorist groups. These allegations, described as “completely false,” were met with strong condemnation from French officials, who reaffirmed their unwavering stance against terrorism in the Sahel region and worldwide.
With tensions at an all-time high, France has urged its citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise extreme caution. Over 2,000 French nationals reside in Burkina Faso, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè citizens live in France, according to French diplomatic sources.
The deterioration of bilateral relations began in earnest after Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s ascent to power. Since then, the Burkinabè military government has pursued a policy emphasizing national sovereignty, frequently criticizing Western nations—particularly France—and accusing Paris of actions detrimental to Burkina Faso’s interests.
In 2023, Ouagadougou demanded the withdrawal of France’s ambassador, terminated its military cooperation agreement with Paris, and ended the presence of French forces engaged in combating jihadist groups. Since then, Burkina Faso has increasingly aligned itself with alternative partners such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran, shifting its geopolitical alliances.