The ruling military junta in Burkina Faso officially severed diplomatic relations with France, accusing Paris of actions detrimental to the nation’s interests.

Ties between Ouagadougou and its former colonial power have deteriorated sharply since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a 2022 coup. His administration has since pursued a policy of forging new alliances while openly criticising Western influence.

In a televised address on Friday, Communications Minister Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo charged France with displaying “incessant activism” against Burkina Faso and accused it of harbouring “neo-colonial ambitions.”

France’s foreign ministry dismissed the decision as “hostile and unfounded,” arguing it reflected “the worrying drift” of Burkina Faso’s authorities.

Paris also urged its citizens in Burkina Faso to exercise “increased vigilance.”

Burkina Faso, like neighbouring Mali, has been battling a jihadist insurgency for over a decade. French forces had been involved in counterterrorism operations in the region for years before withdrawing from the country.

After taking power, Captain Traoré demanded the departure of French soldiers stationed in Burkina Faso, accusing Paris of pursuing a “hidden agenda.” Ouagadougou has since drawn closer to nations such as Russia and China.

In its statement announcing the diplomatic break, the Burkinabe government asserted that conditions for “mutual respect” between the two countries no longer exist. It specifically accused France of backing “subversive networks” and attempting to marginalise Burkina Faso on the global stage.

The authorities clarified, however, that this move applies only to “the institutional framework of relations” and does not affect “the historical, human, cultural and social ties” between the Burkinabe and French peoples.

The junta had promised a return to constitutional order by 2024, but that deadline was not met. In January 2025, the authorities also announced the dissolution of political parties.

That same year, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — all three under military rule — formally left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the Alliance of Sahel States.

France has not had an ambassador in Burkina Faso since January 2023. In 2024, Ouagadougou expelled three French diplomats on accusations of “subversive activities,” charges denied by Paris.