France recalls diplomats as Burkina Faso severs ties

A significant diplomatic rupture has occurred, with Burkina Faso, under the leadership of military junta chief Captain Ibrahim Traoré, declaring an end to its diplomatic ties with Paris on Friday. This unilateral decision has prompted a reciprocal response from France.

All French diplomatic personnel stationed in Burkina Faso returned to France by the end of last week, according to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In a move mirroring Ouagadougou’s stance, Burkinabè diplomatic staff have been instructed to depart France by Monday, July 6.

France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Burkina Faso’s chargé d’affaires in Paris was summoned last Monday. This followed Ouagadougou’s announcement on June 26 regarding its unilateral decision to sever diplomatic relations with France. During the summons, the Burkinabè diplomat was informed, in a spirit of reciprocity, that their diplomatic staff must also leave France within seven days, a deadline expiring this Monday evening.

Paris has once again expressed its strong disapproval, lamenting this “hostile and baseless decision.” The ministry highlighted the “worrying drift” in the posture of Burkinabè authorities, stating that France has “drawn the consequences” of this development.

Furthermore, the French ministry vehemently denied any support for terrorist groups, dismissing such allegations as “completely false.” These accusations were notably cited by the authorities in Ouagadougou as a basis for the breakdown in relations with Paris.

France reiterated its firm condemnation of all terrorist attacks and atrocities committed against civilians across the Sahel region. The ministry reaffirmed its unwavering support for the local populations, who bear the brunt of the ongoing crisis.

The Quai d’Orsay underscored France’s globally recognized commitment to combating terrorism worldwide, acknowledging the heavy toll it has paid. In light of the current volatile situation, French nationals residing in Burkina Faso have been advised to exercise increased vigilance.

Official figures from the ministry indicate that over 2,000 French citizens are registered on the consular list in Burkina Faso, while more than 6,000 Burkinabè nationals reside in France.

Escalating tensions and political shift

Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power through a coup d’état in September 2022, has steered Ouagadougou towards a sovereignist policy. This approach has been characterized by repression against dissenting voices and a marked hostility towards Western nations, particularly France. The Burkinabè government has accused Paris of “incessant activism” detrimental to its interests, though it maintains that relations between the respective peoples remain unaffected.

Since 2023, merely months after assuming control, the junta initiated several measures targeting France. These included demanding the recall of the French ambassador to Ouagadougou, Luc Hallade, repudiating a military cooperation agreement with Paris, and ultimately securing the withdrawal of French troops, who had for a decade been actively engaged in counter-jihadist operations within the country. Subsequently, the regime has intensified its criticisms of France, forging new partnerships with nations such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.