Key facts
- Burkina Faso's military junta has severed diplomatic ties with France.
- The junta cited "ceaseless activism" and "neo-colonial ambitions" by France.
- France called the decision "hostile and unfounded" and is reviewing reciprocal measures.
- The move follows previous expulsions of French diplomats and a request for France to recall its ambassador.
- France has had no ambassador in Burkina Faso since January 2023.
Burkina Faso's military junta has broken off diplomatic ties with France, accusing Paris of "ceaseless activism" against its national interests and alleging "neo-colonial ambitions." Communications Minister Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo announced the decision on state television, stating that conditions for mutual respect no longer exist between the two countries and that France supports "subversive networks."
The French foreign ministry called the decision "hostile and unfounded" and said it "illustrated the troubling drift by the Burkinabe government." France urged its nationals in the country to exercise heightened vigilance and is reviewing reciprocal measures.