Burkina Faso Junta Severs Diplomatic Relations with France

Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta declared on Friday that it has terminated diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial ruler. The announcement was made late in the day by the authorities led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

The junta’s statement accused Paris of repeatedly acting contrary to Burkina Faso’s interests and of supporting subversive networks and militants operating in the Sahel region. The decision marks a further distancing of the junta from Western partners.

In response, the French government described the move as “hostile and baseless,” rejecting the allegations made by the Burkinabe authorities.

The diplomatic break adds to a series of recent actions by the junta that have strained relations with Western nations.