Burkina Faso announced on Friday that it has severed diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial ruler. The declaration was read on national television, stating that the government had decided to end diplomatic ties with Paris. The move marks a significant escalation in the country's distancing from Western powers since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took power following a coup in September 2022.

According to the statement, Burkina Faso accused France of acting against its national interests. Communication Minister Gilbert Ouédraogo said the environment necessary for relations based on mutual respect, trust, non-interference, and sovereignty no longer exists. He added that the decision followed a thorough review of relations with Paris.

Ouédraogo further accused France of pursuing neo-colonial ambitions and supporting terrorist groups that have destabilized Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. The announcement underscores the military government's increasingly confrontational stance toward France and Western influence in the region.