PARIS – France said on Saturday that it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Burkina Faso said on Friday it had severed links with its former colonial ruler after years of worsening ties over security, sovereignty and alleged foreign interference.
“France regrets this hostile and unfounded decision, which illustrates the worrying drift of the Burkinabe authorities,” the French foreign ministry said in a statement.
It urged French nationals in Burkina Faso “to exercise heightened vigilance”.
The West African country has been battling an Islamist insurgency that has spread from Mali and killed thousands and displaced millions in the region over the past decade.
Burkina Faso Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said the decision took effect on Friday and accused France of supporting “subversive networks” and “terrorists”, charges that France has denied.
- Burkina Faso severed diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial ruler, citing deteriorating ties over security, sovereignty, and alleged foreign interference.
- France condemned the decision as hostile and unfounded, warning of a concerning direction by Burkinabe authorities.
- France is considering reciprocal measures in response to Burkina Faso's diplomatic break.
- Burkina Faso accused France of supporting subversive networks and terrorists, allegations France denies.
- The move occurs amid Burkina Faso's ongoing fight against a deadly Islamist insurgency that has affected the wider Sahel region.
