Burkina Faso Ends Diplomatic Relations With France, Accuses Paris of Neo-Colonial Agenda

Burkina Faso's military government has severed diplomatic relations with France , accusing its former colonial ruler of pursuing " blatant neo-colonial ambitions " and supporting subversive networks and terrorists. The junta, however, did not provide evidence to support the allegations.

France rejected the accusations, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux describing the decision as " hostile and unfounded ." He said Paris was reviewing reciprocal measures while monitoring the safety of French diplomats and citizens in Burkina Faso.

Communications Minister Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo said the conditions for maintaining diplomatic ties, including mutual respect, trust, and non-interference in internal affairs , no longer existed.

The move marks the latest chapter in a steady deterioration of relations since the military seized power in a 2022 coup . Burkina Faso has progressively distanced itself from France, requesting the recall of the French ambassador in 2023, expelling three French diplomats in 2024 over alleged subversive activities, and ending France's long-standing military presence in the country.

France had been Burkina Faso's principal security partner in its fight against extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State , but cooperation ended after the junta ordered French troops to withdraw.

Despite the military government's pledge to improve security, violence has continued to worsen across Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. Human rights groups have also accused government forces of carrying out widespread abuses, including extrajudicial killings during counterterrorism operations.

The diplomatic break highlights Burkina Faso's growing shift away from its traditional Western ally as military-led governments across the Sahel continue to reshape their foreign policy.