France considers reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic ties

Burkina Faso leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré. (X/Ibrahim Traoré)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Saturday, June 27, 2026

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In a statement on Saturday, the French foreign ministry expressed regret over the decision and strongly criticised the move, describing it as hostile and unfounded.

France is considering reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso severed diplomatic relations with Paris, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries.

The development comes just a day after Burkina Faso announced that it had broken off diplomatic ties with France, alleging that Paris had consistently acted in ways that undermine its national interests.

In a statement on Saturday, the French foreign ministry expressed regret over the decision and strongly criticised the move, describing it as hostile and unfounded.

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“France reiterates its solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso and recalls the strong ties that bind our two nations,” the ministry said.

“Authorities are paying particular attention to the safety of government personnel present in the country and the French community residing in Burkina Faso. In this particular context, they urge French nationals to exercise heightened vigilance.”

On Friday, Burkina Faso’s military government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, defended the decision, stressing that the basic conditions for maintaining constructive relations with Paris are no longer in place.

"The government of Burkina Faso hereby informs the national and international community that it has decided to sever diplomatic relations with France with effect from today, June 26, 2026," Burkina Faso said.

"The essential conditions for promoting relations based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, respect for the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are not in place.”

Once a dominant power across northern, western and central Africa, France has seen its influence weaken in recent years, as a number of its former colonies, particularly in the Sahel region, distance themselves from Paris and turn toward Russia and China.