France withdraws diplomats from Burkina Faso amid diplomatic tensions

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the complete withdrawal of its diplomatic staff from Burkina Faso, marking a significant escalation in the strained relations between the two nations. This decision follows Burkina Faso’s unilateral decision to sever all diplomatic ties with France at the end of June.

All French diplomats who were stationed in Burkina Faso have already returned to France as of last weekend. In a reciprocal move, the Burkinabe diplomatic personnel in France have been given a seven-day deadline to leave the country, with the final departure deadline set for Monday evening.

The French foreign ministry summoned the chargé d’affaires of Burkina Faso in Paris last Monday to formally communicate this decision. The ministry stated, “In a spirit of reciprocity, it was made clear that Burkinabe diplomatic staff must also leave France within seven days, by this Monday evening.”

France deplores “hostile” decision

The French foreign ministry expressed strong disapproval of Burkina Faso’s decision, describing it as “hostile and baseless” and warning of a “worrying shift” in the policies of Ouagadougou’s authorities. “We deeply regret this hostile decision with no justification, which reflects the alarming trajectory of the Burkinabe authorities,” the ministry stated before adding, “We have drawn the necessary conclusions.”

Paris categorically denied allegations that it supports terrorist groups in the region, calling these claims “completely false”. These accusations were among the primary reasons cited by Burkina Faso for severing diplomatic relations.

The ministry emphasized, “We strongly condemn all terrorist attacks and the violence inflicted on civilians in the Sahel. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the affected populations, who bear the brunt of this ongoing crisis.”

France also highlighted its long-standing commitment to combating terrorism worldwide, noting that it has “paid a heavy price” for this engagement.

Heightened vigilance for French nationals

In light of the current situation, the French foreign ministry has urged French citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise increased caution. Over 2,000 French nationals are currently registered with the consulate in Ouagadougou, while more than 6,000 Burkinabe nationals reside in France.

Burkina Faso’s shifting alliances

Since seizing power in a coup in September 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s transitional leader, has pursued a policy of sovereignty, suppressing dissent and distancing the country from Western powers, particularly France. The junta has repeatedly accused Paris of “relentless activism” against Burkina Faso’s interests, though it has stated that the decision does not affect the relationship between the two peoples.

In 2023, the Burkinabe government demanded the recall of France’s ambassador to Ouagadougou, Luc Hallade, and terminated a military agreement with France. This led to the withdrawal of French troops, which had been actively involved in combating jihadist groups that have plagued the country for over a decade.

The regime has since intensified its criticism of France and sought new partnerships, notably with Russia, Turkey, and Iran.