"The government wishes to inform its citizens and the international community that Burkina Faso has decided to sever diplomatic relations with France, effective 26/6/2023," the West African national television reported.

Ouagadougou accused Paris of "harboring neo-colonial ambitions" by "supporting subversive networks and extremist elements, plunging Burkina Faso and the entire Sahel region into distress." The Burkina Faso government noted that the decision "applies only to diplomatic relations" and does not affect historical, cultural, social, and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

Burkina Faso leader Ibrahim Traore in St. Petersburg, Russia in 7/2023. Photo: AFP

France labeled the move as hostile and baseless, reflecting a "concerning trend by the Burkina Faso authorities." Paris announced it is considering necessary response options.

Burkina Faso is a former French colony in Africa. The sub-Saharan nation was one of five countries where France deployed troops to support local forces in combating Islamic insurgents. Burkina Faso experienced two coups in 1/2022 and 9/2022, with Captain Ibrahim Traore currently leading the country.

Location of Burkina Faso. Graphic: BBC

France was once a powerful nation with extensive influence across North, Central, and West Africa, but its standing in the region has significantly diminished in recent years. Many former colonies have distanced themselves from France and strengthened relations with Russia and Trung Quoc.

In Burkina Faso, anti-French sentiment escalated following the first coup in 2022, as protestors opposed the presence of French soldiers. In 1/2023, French forces were compelled to withdraw from the West African nation.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)