Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with France over alleged interference, security concerns

The Government of Burkina Faso has announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with France, accusing Paris of undermining the country’s sovereignty and supporting activities contrary to its national interests.

The decision, which took effect on Friday, June 26, was announced in a communiqué signed by the Burkinabè Government Spokesperson, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouedraogo.

According to the government, the move followed a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, which it said no longer reflected the principles of mutual respect, reciprocal trust, non-interference in internal affairs and respect for national sovereignty.

“The essential conditions for fostering relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, adherence to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for national sovereignty are no longer in place,” the statement said.

The military-led government accused the current French administration of pursuing what it described as “neo-colonial ambitions” against Burkina Faso and alleged that France had provided active support to “subversive networks and terrorists” operating in the country and across the wider Sahel region.

It also accused France of promoting narratives intended to isolate Burkina Faso internationally, claiming that official statements and public discourse from Paris had sought to portray the West African nation as a pariah state.

“This situation is evidenced, among other things, by the relentless activism of the current regime in France against Burkina Faso’s interests, openly neo-colonial ambitions supported by active backing of subversive networks and terrorists who are mourning our country and the Sahel,” the communiqué stated.

Despite the diplomatic rupture, the Burkinabè government stressed that the decision was directed solely at state-to-state diplomatic relations and should not be interpreted as hostility towards the French people.

It said the longstanding historical, cultural, social and human ties between the peoples of Burkina Faso and France remained intact.

“The Government wishes to emphasize that this decision in no way calls into question the historical, human, cultural, and social ties that bind the Burkinabè and French peoples. It targets exclusively the institutional framework of relations between the two States on the diplomatic level,” the statement added.

The government also assured French nationals and other expatriates residing in Burkina Faso that their safety and interests would be protected, urging citizens to exercise restraint and comply with the country’s laws.

In addition, Ouagadougou reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing an independent foreign policy centred on diversifying international partnerships, strengthening South-South cooperation and promoting balanced relations with countries based on sovereign equality and mutual respect.

The government said it remained open to dialogue with all members of the international community, provided such engagements were founded on reciprocity, respect for sovereignty and the protection of each country’s legitimate interests.

The announcement marks a significant deterioration in relations between Burkina Faso and its former colonial power, as the Sahel nation continues to redefine its foreign policy amid ongoing security challenges and shifting geopolitical alliances.