Diplomatic ties severed: France withdraws all envoys from Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, under the leadership of military junta chief Ibrahim Traoré, announced on Friday its decision to sever diplomatic relations with Paris.

All French diplomats stationed in Burkina Faso returned to France by the end of last week, while Burkinabè diplomatic staff have been instructed to leave France by Monday, July 6. This reciprocal measure was confirmed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Burkinabè chargé d’affaires in Paris was summoned to the French ministry last Monday, following Ouagadougou’s unilateral announcement on June 26 to terminate diplomatic relations with France. French officials conveyed that, in a spirit of reciprocity, Burkinabè diplomatic personnel were required to depart France within seven days, with the deadline set for this Monday evening.

“We deeply regret this hostile and baseless decision, which underscores the troubling trajectory of the Burkinabè authorities,” stated the French foreign ministry. “We have consequently taken the necessary steps.”

Furthermore, the French ministry vehemently denied any French support for terrorist groups, dismissing such allegations as “completely false.” These accusations were notably cited by the authorities in Ouagadougou as a reason for the breakdown in relations with Paris.

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

France emphasized that its global commitment to counter-terrorism is widely recognized, and it has paid a significant price in this fight. In light of the current circumstances, French nationals residing in Burkina Faso are urged to exercise heightened vigilance.

According to the ministry, over 2,000 French citizens are registered on the consular rolls in Burkina Faso, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè nationals reside in France.

Persistent security challenges

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power through a coup in September 2022, has pursued a sovereignist agenda in Ouagadougou. His administration has been characterized by a repressive stance against critical voices and an increasingly hostile posture towards Western nations, particularly France. The Burkinabè government has accused Paris of “incessant activism” against its interests, though it maintains that relations between the two peoples remain unaffected.

As early as 2023, just months after assuming control, the junta demanded the recall of France’s ambassador to Ouagadougou, Luc Hallade. It subsequently denounced a military agreement with Paris and orchestrated the withdrawal of French forces, which had long been engaged in combating jihadist groups destabilizing the country for a decade. The regime has since escalated its criticism of France and has actively sought new international partners, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.