Ouagadougou, Jun 27 (V7N) – Burkina Faso has officially severed diplomatic relations with France, marking a major escalation in the deteriorating relationship between the two countries. The decision took effect on Friday (June 26), according to the West African nation's military-led government.
The announcement was made through a statement broadcast on state television, where the government said the move followed a comprehensive review of bilateral relations.
According to the statement, Burkina Faso concluded that the principles of mutual respect, reciprocal trust and non-interference in each other's internal affairs were no longer being upheld, making the continuation of diplomatic relations untenable.
The military government also accused France of supporting terrorist and anti-state groups operating in the country, allegations that Paris has consistently denied.
Officials described the decision as a diplomatic measure taken in response to prolonged tensions between the two nations, which have steadily worsened in recent years.
Despite the diplomatic break, the government clarified that the decision applies only to official diplomatic relations and is not expected to affect cultural, humanitarian or people-to-people exchanges between citizens of Burkina Faso and France.
The latest move further reflects the shifting geopolitical landscape in West Africa, where several military-led governments have distanced themselves from France while seeking new international partnerships.
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