Burkina Faso Expels French Diplomats

Burkina Faso has taken the decision to expel French diplomats from its territory. This move comes amid escalating tensions between the two countries. The expulsion of the diplomats signifies a deterioration in diplomatic relations and raises concerns about the future of bilateral cooperation. The reasons behind this decision have not been fully disclosed, but it underscores the strain in relations between Burkina Faso and France. Both countries now face the challenge of addressing the underlying issues and restoring trust and collaboration for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

The military government of Burkina Faso has ordered three French diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours, marking another diplomatic setback for Paris in the West African nation. 

The Burkinabe Foreign Ministry accused the diplomats of engaging in “subversive” activities in a letter addressed to the French Embassy in Ouagadougou, without providing specific details. 

The officials named in the letter, Gwenaielle Habouzit, Guillaume Reisacher, and Herve Fournier, are required to depart Burkina Faso by Thursday. 

Relations between Paris and Ouagadougou have soured since Burkina Faso’s military seized power in a coup in 2022, leading to the termination of a longstanding military assistance agreement with France and the expulsion of French troops and diplomats. 

Burkina Faso, along with Mali, has turned to Russia for support in combating extremist violence, forming an alliance and intensifying cooperation with Moscow despite concerns from Western governments about Russia’s influence in the Sahel region.