Burkina Faso’s junta led by Ibrahim Traoré announced on June 26 that it would sever all diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial power, effective immediately. The administration accused France of repeatedly acting against Burkina Faso’s national interests, harbouring neocolonial ambitions, and providing backing to subversive and terrorist networks operating within the country.
Military Government Announces Diplomatic Break on June 26
Burkina Faso’s junta led by Ibrahim Traoré announced on June 26 that it would sever all diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial power, effective immediately. The administration accused France of repeatedly acting against Burkina Faso’s national interests, harbouring neocolonial ambitions, and providing backing to subversive and terrorist networks operating within the country.
Government spokesperson Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo delivered the official statement on national television, clarifying the measure only terminates institutional diplomatic ties between the two states and will not sever historical, humanistic, cultural and social bonds shared by the peoples of Burkina Faso and France.
In recent years, Burkina Faso has endured relentless violent assaults by jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Anti-French sentiment has surged nationwide, while the country has steadily deepened its partnerships with Russia.
Brief Colonial Background
Located in West Africa along the upper reaches of the Volta River, Burkina Faso ranks among the world’s least developed nations. It remained under French colonial rule for decades before gaining full independence in 1960.
