Burkina Faso has severed diplomatic relations with France, widening a years-long rupture with its former colonial ruler and marking the latest diplomatic break between France and military-led governments in the Sahel.
Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said the decision took effect on 26 June following a review of bilateral ties, accusing Paris of failing to uphold mutual respect, non-interference and national sovereignty.
He also accused France of supporting “subversive networks” and “terrorists”, allegations France has previously denied.
France’s foreign ministry did not immediately comment.
The move follows similar ruptures between France and neighbouring Mali and Niger, where military governments have also cut defence ties with Paris and demanded the withdrawal of French troops.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally left the West African bloc ECOWAS earlier this year and formed the Alliance of Sahel States, citing sovereignty concerns and opposition to what they described as external pressure.
Burkina Faso remains one of the countries hardest hit by the Islamist insurgency that spread from Mali more than a decade ago.
Armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State have carried out repeated attacks across the country, killing thousands and displacing millions, while large areas remain outside full state control.
The diplomatic break with France comes as Burkina Faso’s military authorities continue to frame sovereignty and security as central to their political agenda.
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