Burkina Faso Cuts Ties With France Over Terrorism Support Claims

Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with France after accusing Paris of supporting terrorists and pursuing neo-colonial ambitions locally.

Burkina Faso has severed diplomatic relations with France, accusing its former colonial ruler of supporting terrorist groups and pursuing “neo-colonial ambitions” in the West African nation.

The military government announced the decision on Friday, saying the diplomatic break takes immediate effect following a review of bilateral relations between the two countries.

In a statement read on national television, the junta said the conditions for maintaining ties with France no longer existed.

“The essential conditions for promoting relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, respect for the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and national sovereignty are not in place,” the statement reads.

Pingdwende Ouedraogo, communications minister, accused France of pursuing “blatant neo-colonial ambitions” through its alleged “active support for subversive networks and terrorists” operating in Burkina Faso. He provided no evidence to support the allegation.

The junta said the move affects only diplomatic relations and does not alter the historical, cultural and social ties shared by the people of Burkina Faso and France.

It added that French nationals residing in Burkina Faso would continue to enjoy protection in accordance with the country’s laws.

Responding to the development, Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for France’s foreign ministry, described the decision as “hostile and unfounded”.

In a statement, Confavreux said France regretted the move, adding that it reflected “the worrying drift of the Burkinabè authorities”.

He said Paris is reviewing “necessary reciprocal measures” and is monitoring the safety of French diplomatic staff and citizens in Burkina Faso, while urging them to exercise heightened vigilance.

Relations between the two countries have steadily deteriorated since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a military coup in September 2022.

The junta expelled French troops in 2023, ordered France to recall its ambassador, and later expelled three French diplomats over alleged subversive activities.

France had been Burkina Faso’s principal security partner before the coup, with troops deployed to help combat insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

However, the security situation has continued to worsen, with extremist violence spreading across Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel despite repeated promises by the military government to restore order.