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Burkina Faso cuts diplomatic relations with France
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Burkina Faso's military government has severed diplomatic ties with France, accusing it of neo-colonial ambitions and supporting terrorist networks, though no evidence was provided.
- France condemned the decision as hostile and unfounded, warning of reciprocal measures and urging French nationals in Burkina Faso to remain vigilant.
- The move comes amid ongoing violence in Burkina Faso and the Sahel region, where extremist groups linked to al-Qaida and ISIS have perpetrated attacks, and government forces face accusations of extrajudicial killings.
- Relations between Burkina Faso and France had already been strained following a 2022 coup, with the junta expelling French diplomats and dismissing French security forces previously deployed to combat extremism.
- The future of the French embassy and bilateral cooperation remains uncertain as the military government cites a lack of mutual respect and sovereignty as reasons for the diplomatic break.
