Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Web Desk: Burkina Faso’s military government has announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with France, accusing its former colonial power of interfering in the country’s internal affairs and harboring “neo-colonial ambitions.”
According to a government statement, the decision was made after a thorough reassessment of bilateral ties, citing violations of principles of mutual respect, sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. The statement accused France of supporting elements “who are creating instability in the country and the region,” according to media reports.
Neo-Colonial Accusations
The official statement specifically accused France of maintaining “colonial ambitions” toward Burkina Faso and interfering in the nation’s domestic affairs. The government said maintaining relations with Paris was no longer possible under these circumstances.
Appeal to Citizens
In a notable gesture, Burkina Faso’s authorities appealed to their citizens to treat all foreign nationals, including French citizens, in accordance with the law and with respect. The government clarified that the diplomatic severance applies only to state-level relations and is not intended to sever the historical, cultural, and social ties between the two peoples.
French Response
France condemned the decision, calling it baseless, and said it was considering an appropriate response, according to French media reports.
Regional Context
The move is the latest in a series of diplomatic ruptures between France and its former West African colonies since a wave of coups swept the Sahel region beginning in 2020. Mali and Niger have also severed military ties with Paris and turned to Russia for security cooperation.
Burkina Faso’s military leadership, which took power in a 2022 coup, has been battling a decade-long Islamist insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions. The government has increasingly distanced itself from France, its traditional ally, seeking new security partnerships while struggling to contain the violence.
