The military junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in Burkina Faso formally announced its decision last Friday to sever all diplomatic relations with Paris. This declaration marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

All French diplomatic personnel stationed in Burkina Faso have now returned to France, completing their departure by the end of last week. Concurrently, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Burkinabè diplomatic staff have been instructed to leave France by this coming Monday, July 6, in a reciprocal move.

Following Ouagadougou’s unilateral announcement on June 26 to terminate diplomatic relations with France, the Burkinabè chargé d’affaires in Paris was summoned to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Monday. During this meeting, a clear directive was issued, stipulating that Burkinabè diplomatic staff must depart France within seven days, meaning by this Monday evening, in the spirit of reciprocity.

France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its profound regret over what it termed a “hostile and baseless decision,” emphasizing that it reflects a “concerning trajectory” by the Burkinabè authorities. “We have drawn the necessary conclusions from this,” the ministry stated.

Furthermore, the French ministry vehemently denied any allegations of French support for terrorist organizations, dismissing such claims as “completely false.” These accusations were notably cited by Ouagadougou as a primary justification for the rupture of relations with Paris.

“We unequivocally condemn all terrorist attacks, as well as the atrocities committed against civilians across the Sahel region, and we reaffirm our steadfast support for the populations who are the primary victims of this ongoing crisis,” the ministry added.

The Quai d’Orsay underscored France’s globally recognized commitment to combating terrorism, acknowledging the heavy sacrifices made in this endeavor. In light of the current volatile situation, French nationals in Burkina Faso are strongly advised to exercise heightened vigilance.

Records indicate that over 2,000 French citizens are registered with the consular services in Burkina Faso, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè nationals reside in France.

Escalating Tensions and Policy Shifts

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

In 2023, merely months after assuming control, the junta demanded the recall of France’s ambassador to Ouagadougou, Luc Hallade. This was followed by the denouncement of a military cooperation agreement with Paris, culminating in the withdrawal of French troops who had long been engaged in counter-jihadist operations that have plagued the country for a decade. Subsequently, the regime has escalated its criticisms against France, simultaneously forging new partnerships with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.