On Friday, Burkina Faso announced the immediate severance of its diplomatic relations with France, citing a deep deterioration in bilateral relations between the two countries.
In a statement read by government spokesperson Gilbert Ouédraogo, the Burkinabè authorities said that the conditions for cooperation based on "mutual respect, reciprocal trust, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for national sovereignty" are no longer in place.
Ouagadougou notably accuses Paris of carrying out "relentless activism" against its interests, pursuing "neo-colonial ambitions," supporting "subversive networks and terrorists" operating in Burkina Faso and the Sahel, and spreading what it describes as "deceptive and biased" narratives aimed at damaging the country's image on the international stage.
The authorities present this decision as a measure intended to defend Burkina Faso's national sovereignty and strategic interests. They specify, however, that the rupture concerns only diplomatic relations between the two states and does not affect the historical, human, cultural, and social ties between the Burkinabè and French peoples.
The Burkinabè government also stated that French nationals residing in the country will continue to benefit from the protection of the authorities and called on the population to remain calm, exercise restraint, and respect their safety.
In response, France expressed regret over what it described as a "hostile and unfounded" decision, saying it reflects "a worrying drift by the Burkinabè authorities." In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said that reciprocal measures are under consideration.
This rupture marks a new stage in the gradual deterioration of relations between Ouagadougou and Paris. Since 2023, several disputes have strained ties between the two countries, including the withdrawal of French special forces from Operation Sabre, the termination of tax agreements, the suspension of French public development aid, the suspension of several French media outlets, as well as the departure of the French ambassador and Burkina Faso's refusal to accredit his successor.
Despite these diplomatic tensions, economic relations remain significant. According to data from the International Trade Centre (ITC), trade between Burkina Faso and France reached $342.6 million in 2025.
Burkina Faso
France
Diplomacy
