Burkina Faso severs diplomatic ties with France

The Government of Burkina Faso has officially announced the termination of all diplomatic relations with France, effective June 26, 2026. This decision comes after a thorough assessment of the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The government statement emphasized that the necessary conditions for fostering relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, and adherence to the principles of non-interference and national sovereignty are no longer present.

The decision is justified by several grievances against French authorities, including:

• Persistent activism by the French government against Burkina Faso’s national interests
• Overt neocolonial ambitions, including active support for subversive networks and terrorist groups destabilizing the country and the wider Sahel region
• Biased rhetoric aimed at portraying Burkina Faso as an international pariah

The government underscored that this move is a sovereign choice to protect the nation’s interests and independence. While the decision does not affect the deep historical, human, cultural, and social ties between the Burkinabè and French peoples, it exclusively targets the institutional framework of state-to-state relations.

Key points from the government statement:

• The government reassures citizens and the international community of its commitment to protecting all foreign nationals, including French citizens, and safeguarding their interests within Burkina Faso
• Citizens are urged to demonstrate responsibility, restraint, and civic-mindedness toward French and other expatriates living in Burkina Faso, strictly adhering to national laws
• The government reaffirms its dedication to an independent foreign policy, emphasizing diversification of partnerships, strengthened South-South cooperation, balanced international relations, and the promotion of peace, security, and sustainable development
• Burkina Faso remains open to dialogue with the international community based on mutual respect, reciprocity, sovereign equality, and the defense of legitimate interests

The statement concludes with a pledge to build a more just, free, and united world with nations that share these values.

Signed by Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, Government Spokesperson and Officer of the Order of the Stallion.