Burkina Faso has formally severed diplomatic relations with France, accusing the French government of interfering in its internal affairs and pursuing policies that undermine the country's sovereignty and security.
The decision, which took immediate effect on June 26, was announced in an official communiqué issued by the Burkinabè government and signed by its spokesperson, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouedraogo.
According to the statement, the decision followed a thorough assessment of relations between the two countries, with Ouagadougou concluding that the fundamental principles required for healthy diplomatic engagement had broken down.
The government said the bilateral relationship no longer reflected mutual respect, reciprocal trust, non-interference in domestic affairs and recognition of Burkina Faso's 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 communiqué stated.
Burkina Faso levelled a series of accusations against the French government, alleging that Paris had adopted a hostile posture towards the country by advancing "neo-colonial ambitions" and supporting activities detrimental to the interests of Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region.
It further alleged that France had provided active backing to subversive groups and terrorists responsible for insecurity in the country, while simultaneously promoting narratives intended to damage Burkina Faso's international image.
According to the government, France had sought to portray the country as an international outcast through what it described as biased statements and commentary.
"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 statement read.
Despite announcing the diplomatic break, the Burkinabè authorities emphasised that the move was directed solely at official state relations and should not be interpreted as hostility towards French citizens.
The government stressed that the historical, cultural and social bonds between the peoples of Burkina Faso and France remained unchanged.
"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," it added.
The authorities also reassured foreign nationals, including French citizens residing in Burkina Faso, that their safety and legitimate interests would continue to be protected.
Citizens were urged to remain calm, act responsibly and treat expatriates in accordance with the country's laws.
Looking ahead, the government reaffirmed its commitment to an independent foreign policy anchored on sovereign equality, diversified international partnerships and stronger South-South cooperation.
It said Burkina Faso remained willing to engage with all countries that respect the principles of reciprocity, mutual respect and non-interference.
The latest move marks a further deterioration in relations between Burkina Faso and its former colonial ruler, as the military-led government continues to reshape its diplomatic alliances while confronting persistent security challenges across the Sahel.
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