Burkina Faso Cuts Diplomatic Ties with France

The government of Burkina Faso announced on Friday that it has cut diplomatic relations with France with immediate effect. The decision follows a “thorough assessment” of bilateral relations, according to a government statement. The government stated that the conditions necessary for a relationship based on “mutual respect, trust, and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and national sovereignty” were no longer met. Authorities accused France of persistent activism against Burkina Faso’s interests and alleged support for subversive networks and terrorist groups responsible for violence in the country and the Sahel region. “Faced with this imperialist activism aimed at dominating our country and subjugating our people, we have chosen responsibility and sovereignty,” the statement declared. The government emphasised that the severance of ties concerns the institutional diplomatic framework and does not affect the historic, human, social, and cultural bonds between the peoples of the two nations. It pledged to ensure the protection of French citizens living in Burkina Faso and called on the public to show responsibility and civic-mindedness towards all expatriates. The move comes as Burkina Faso seeks to reshape its foreign policy, with the government stating its desire to diversify partnerships and build more balanced relations based on mutual respect and sovereign equality.