Burkina Faso’s military-led government has officially severed diplomatic relations with France, accusing the European nation of repeatedly acting in ways that undermine Burkina Faso’s national interests.
Tensions between the two countries have steadily increased since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power following a military coup in 2022. Since then, his administration has adopted policies that have distanced the country from Western allies, including France, its former colonial ruler.
In a televised address on Friday, Communications Minister Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo accused France of engaging in what he described as continuous interference and pursuing “neo-colonial ambitions” against Burkina Faso.
Reacting to the announcement, France’s Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations, describing the decision to end diplomatic ties as “hostile and unfounded.” The ministry also said the move reflected what it called a “troubling drift” by Burkina Faso’s authorities.
Following the diplomatic fallout, the French government advised its citizens currently in Burkina Faso to remain alert and exercise heightened caution.
