Burkina Faso's military-led government on Friday announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with France, accusing its former colonial ruler of pursuing "neo-colonial ambitions" and supporting destabilising activities.
In a statement, the junta alleged that France had provided backing to "subversive networks and terrorists," though it did not provide evidence to support the claims.
France expressed regret over the decision, describing it as "hostile and unfounded." French Foreign Ministry spokesman Pascal Confavreux said Paris was reviewing reciprocal measures and closely monitoring the safety of French officials and citizens in Burkina Faso.
"The decision reflects the worrying direction taken by the Burkinabè authorities," he said, urging French nationals in the country to exercise increased caution.
Burkina Faso, a nation of around 23 million people, has been grappling with years of violence linked to extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State, as well as accusations of abuses by government forces. The wider Sahel region has become the world's deadliest hotspot for extremist violence.
The immediate implications of the diplomatic break and its impact on the French embassy in Ouagadougou remain unclear.
Communications Minister Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo said the conditions necessary for maintaining relations based on mutual respect, trust and non-interference in domestic affairs no longer existed.
Relations between the two countries have steadily deteriorated in recent years. Since coming to power in a 2022 coup, Burkina Faso's military rulers have repeatedly accused France of acting against the country's interests.
In 2023, the junta requested the recall of the French ambassador and declared the United Nations' resident and humanitarian coordinator persona non grata. The following year, three French diplomats were expelled over alleged subversive activities.
France had long been Burkina Faso's main security partner and deployed troops to help combat extremist groups, but the military government ordered the withdrawal of French forces after taking power.
Despite pledges by the junta to improve security, analysts say violence has worsened. According to a recent Human Rights Watch report, government forces were allegedly responsible for at least 1,200 of the 1,837 civilian deaths recorded in the country between January 2023 and August 2025.