Burkina Faso Severs Ties with France Over Terrorism Concerns

Burkina Faso ended diplomatic ties with France on Friday after a “thorough assessment of the current state of bilateral relations” between the two countries.

Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said the government had chosen responsibility and sovereignty in the face of “imperialist aims” that seek to dominate the country and subjugate its people.

He added that the conditions necessary for a relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and respect for the principle of non‑interference in internal affairs and national sovereignty are no longer present.

Burkina Faso claims France is working against its interests by “actively supporting subversive networks and terrorists who are causing so much suffering in our country and the Sahel.”

Ouagadougou further accuses Paris of “blatant neo‑colonial ambitions” and of “fueling the perfidy and bias” in discourse and opinions about Burkina Faso, making it a pariah in the international community.

The government clarified that its decision concerns the institutional framework of relations and does not affect the historical, human, cultural, and social ties that unite the Burkinabé and French peoples.

Ouedraogo urged citizens to act responsibly, with restraint and civic-mindedness toward French citizens and all expatriates living on Burkinabé soil, in strict compliance with the law.

Burkina Faso reaffirmed its commitment to an independent foreign policy, to developing balanced relations with all states, and to promoting peace, security, and sustainable development.

“The Government remains open to dialogue with all states on the basis of mutual respect, reciprocity, sovereign equality, and the defense of the legitimate interests of each,” the statement added.