France completes withdrawal of all diplomats from Burkina Faso

French authorities have confirmed the complete withdrawal of all diplomatic personnel from Burkina Faso, marking a decisive shift in bilateral relations between the two nations. The decision follows Ouagadougou’s unilateral decision to sever all ties with Paris, a move that has drawn strong reactions from French officials.

All French diplomats stationed in Burkina Faso have returned to France as of late last week, while Burkinabè diplomatic staff in France have been given until Monday evening to leave the country, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday. This reciprocal action underscores the depth of the diplomatic rupture between the two nations.

The chargé d’affaires of Burkina Faso in Paris was summoned to the French Foreign Ministry last week, shortly after the Burkinabè government declared on June 26 that it would unilaterally terminate diplomatic relations with France. French officials emphasized the necessity of reciprocity in their response.

“The Burkinabè diplomatic staff in France have been notified that they must depart within seven days, demonstrating France’s commitment to a measured yet firm response,” the Quai d’Orsay stated.

France condemns “hostile and unfounded” decision

French authorities have expressed deep disappointment over what they describe as an “unjustified and hostile” decision by Burkina Faso. “We regret this unfounded decision, which reflects the troubling direction taken by the Burkinabè authorities,” the French Foreign Ministry stated. “We have drawn the necessary conclusions from this situation,” it added, signaling the end of diplomatic engagement under current circumstances.

The French government has categorically denied allegations of supporting terrorist groups in the region, calling them “completely false” accusations that contributed to the breakdown of relations. Paris has reiterated its firm stance against terrorism, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to combating extremist threats in the Sahel and beyond.

“We strongly condemn all terrorist attacks and the atrocities committed against civilians in the Sahel,” the ministry stated. “We reaffirm our full support for the populations who are the primary victims of this ongoing crisis.” France also highlighted its historic sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, noting that it has paid a heavy price in these efforts.

Heightened vigilance urged for French citizens

In light of the escalating tensions, French authorities have called on their nationals in Burkina Faso to exercise extreme caution. The ministry also provided reassurance about the welfare of Burkinabè citizens in France, where over 6,000 reside, while noting that more than 2,000 French nationals are registered with the consulate in Ouagadougou.

The diplomatic crisis unfolded against the backdrop of Burkina Faso’s sovereignist policies under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power in a coup in September 2022. His administration has adopted a markedly anti-Western stance, particularly toward France, accusing Paris of persistent interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Since assuming power, the Burkinabè junta has taken several steps to distance itself from France, including demanding the recall of the French ambassador, terminating military agreements, and expelling French troops that had been assisting in the fight against jihadist groups plaguing the nation for over a decade. Burkina Faso has since sought closer ties with alternative partners, including Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

The breakdown in relations reflects a broader trend of shifting alliances in the Sahel, as regional governments increasingly prioritize sovereignty and non-alignment in their foreign policies.