The government of Burkina Faso released a communique on the evening of the 26th, announcing its decision to immediately sever diplomatic relations with France.
The communique stated that this decision was made after an in-depth assessment of the current state of bilateral relations between Burkina Faso and France. The French government has continued to harm the interests of Burkina Faso, openly pursues neo-colonialist agendas, supports subversive forces and terrorists both within Burkina Faso and throughout the Sahel region, and spreads malicious and biased rhetoric with the intention of isolating Burkina Faso from the international community. Burkina Faso believes that relations between the two countries should be based on mutual respect for national sovereignty, mutual trust, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, but the foundation of bilateral relations no longer exists.
The communique emphasized that this decision only concerns diplomatic relations between the two countries and does not mean denying the long-established historical, cultural, and social ties between the peoples of Burkina Faso and France. At the same time, it called on all citizens to remain restrained and to properly treat French citizens and all foreign residents living in Burkina Faso.
The government reaffirmed its determination to pursue an independent and autonomous foreign policy, adhere to diversified partnerships, strengthen South-South cooperation, and develop balanced relations with all countries.
French Foreign Ministry: Severing Ties Decision Baseless
The French Foreign Ministry said that Burkina Faso's decision to sever diplomatic relations with France on the grounds of alleged harm to its interests is a hostile and baseless move.
The French Foreign Ministry stated that this unilateral decision reflects worrisome tendencies of the authorities in Burkina Faso, and indicated that necessary reciprocal measures are under consideration.