Key facts
- Burkina Faso has severed diplomatic relations with France.
- The decision was announced on state television.
- The government cited France's alleged failure to respect mutual respect and non-interference.
- France has previously been asked to recall its ambassador and withdraw troops.
- The move signals a diversification of partnerships for Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso announced on Friday that it is breaking off diplomatic relations with France, citing the latter's alleged failure to adhere to principles of mutual respect and non-interference. Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo made the announcement on state television.
This decision follows a period of escalating tensions and anti-French sentiment in Burkina Faso. In January 2023, the country's military junta requested France recall its ambassador and subsequently asked for the departure of French troops within a month. Burkina Faso has been seeking to diversify its international partnerships, particularly in its fight against jihadism.
Further straining relations, Burkina Faso ended its double taxation treaty with France in August 2023. In December 2023, four French agents were arrested in Ouagadougou, accused of espionage by Burkinabe authorities. France, however, denounced the arrests as a pretext, suggesting collaboration between Burkinabe intelligence and Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service.
Historically, France has maintained a significant presence in Burkina Faso, including special forces as part of Operation Barkhane. The country has been part of the CFA franc zone since 1945. Relations under Thomas Sankara in the 1980s were strained due to his anti-imperialist stance, and his widow has accused France of involvement in his 1987 assassination.
In terms of trade, France exported $384 million worth of goods to Burkina Faso in 2022, including wheat and medicines, while Burkina Faso exported $35 million worth of goods to France, such as vegetable oils and cotton. All imports from Burkina Faso to France are duty-free and quota-free.