On Friday, June 26, Burkina Faso’s military government announced it was breaking off diplomatic relations with France. In a statement broadcast on state television, Communication Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said Paris had failed to uphold its commitments to mutual respect and non-interference.
Tensions between Ouagadougou and Paris have been escalating since Captain Ibrahim Traoré and the army seized power in a September 2022 coup. The rift deepened when Burkina Faso demanded the withdrawal of French soldiers stationed in the West African nation and expelled several diplomats, including France’s ambassador to Ouagadougou.
In its effort to broaden its partnerships, Burkina Faso has moved closer to Russia and its two military-led neighbors, Mali and Niger.
Paris weighing retaliatory steps
The announcement drew a swift response from Paris. On Saturday, France’s foreign ministry described the move as a “unilateral,” “hostile and baseless” decision and stated it is considering “reciprocal measures.”
“France regrets this hostile and baseless decision, which highlights the troubling trajectory of Burkina Faso’s authorities. The necessary reciprocal measures are being examined,” the Quai d’Orsay said, while urging French citizens in the country to “exercise heightened vigilance.”
