Diplomats from Burkina Faso return home amid diplomatic rupture with France

The twelve diplomats from Burkina Faso posted in France have returned to Ouagadougou, marking the official closure of the Burkinabe embassy in Paris. This move follows the severance of diplomatic ties between Burkina Faso and France, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Official closure of the Burkinabe embassy in Paris

The diplomats, received by Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, handed over the national flag that flew over the embassy as well as the keys to the diplomatic premises. The government of Burkina Faso confirmed the definitive end of its diplomatic presence in France, dismissing rumors suggesting some diplomats had sought asylum.

A deliberate diplomatic break

On June 26, Burkina Faso announced the rupture of its diplomatic relations with France. In a reciprocal gesture, French diplomats had already left Ouagadougou in early July, while their Burkinabe counterparts were given until July 6 to leave French territory. The Burkinabe authorities justified this decision by citing what they describe as France’s “relentless activism” against their national interests. Paris, in turn, condemned the move as an “unfounded and hostile” decision.

Years of deteriorating relations

Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré assumed power in September 2022, Burkina Faso has progressively distanced itself from its former ally, France. After the withdrawal of French forces from the country, Ouagadougou has strengthened ties with new partners, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.