Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties with France over 'neo-colonial ambitions'

Africa, Europe-Asia, Politics

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (NPA) — Burkina Faso has announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with France, accusing its former colonial ruler of pursuing “neo-colonial ambitions” and interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

The decision was announced on Friday in a government statement read on national television by Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo.

“The government of Burkina Faso hereby informs the national and international community that it has decided to sever diplomatic relations with France with effect from today, June 26, 2026,” the statement said.

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The military government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power following a coup in September 2022, said the move followed a review of bilateral relations with Paris.

According to the statement, “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 government further accused France of “neo-colonial ambitions” and alleged that Paris actively supports subversive networks and terrorist groups operating in Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. France has consistently denied previous accusations by Burkina Faso that it has backed armed groups or sought to destabilise the country.

Burkina Faso stressed that the decision applies only to diplomatic relations between the two states and does not affect the historical, cultural and social ties between the Burkinabè and French peoples.

The government also assured that French nationals living in Burkina Faso would continue to enjoy protection in accordance with the country’s laws.

Relations between Ouagadougou and Paris have deteriorated steadily since the military takeover in 2022, with the junta pursuing a more nationalist foreign policy while strengthening ties with Russia and other non-Western partners. France withdrew its military forces from Burkina Faso in 2023 following repeated demands by the junta.

The latest move further reflects France’s declining diplomatic influence across parts of the Sahel, where several military-led governments have sought closer political, economic and security cooperation with countries such as Russia and China.

As of the time of filing this report, France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs had not issued an official response to Burkina Faso’s decision.