The move follows Burkina Faso’s announcement on June 26 that it was ending diplomatic ties with France with immediate effect, citing what it described as a breakdown in the conditions necessary for relations based on mutual respect, trust, non-interference and respect for national sovereignty.

The decision was announced in a statement from Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister’s Office, which said it followed “a thorough assessment of the current state of bilateral relations between Burkina Faso and France.”

“The conditions essential for promoting relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, respect for the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and national sovereignty are no longer in place,” the statement said.

Burkina Faso’s government said the decision represented “a choice of responsibility and sovereignty,” while stressing that it did not affect historical, cultural and social ties between the Burkinabè and French peoples.

The government also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting foreign nationals living in Burkina Faso and urged citizens to show “responsibility, restraint and civic-mindedness” towards French nationals and other expatriates.

Following the announcement, France criticised the decision, describing it as “hostile and unfounded.” The French Foreign Ministry said the move reflected what it called “the concerning trajectory of the Burkinabè authorities.”

Paris said it was reviewing reciprocal measures in response to the diplomatic break and monitoring the situation of French citizens and personnel in Burkina Faso.

The rupture marks another setback in relations between France and countries in the Sahel region, where several military-led governments have moved to reduce dependence on traditional Western partners.

France had already withdrawn its military forces from Burkina Faso and suspended development assistance in 2023 after relations deteriorated following the military takeover in the country.

The diplomatic split also comes as Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), pursues a foreign policy focused on diversifying partnerships and strengthening cooperation with non-Western countries.

The Burkinabè authorities said the country would continue pursuing “an independent foreign policy” centred on strengthened South-South cooperation, balanced relations with other nations, and the promotion of peace, security and sustainable development.