The military authorities of Burkina Faso have announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with France, which has long been a key security partner of the country and its former colonial power. This is reported by the Associated Press, according to UNN.
Details
The military junta's statement says the decision took effect immediately. France was accused of "blatant neo-colonial ambitions" and "active support for subversive networks and terrorists," but no evidence was provided to support these allegations.
In response, a spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pascal Confavreux, stated that Paris regrets this decision by the authorities of Burkina Faso.
"We regret this hostile and unfounded decision, which reflects a worrying course chosen by the authorities of Burkina Faso,"
According to him, France is currently considering possible reciprocal measures in response, and is also closely monitoring the safety of its diplomats and citizens in Burkina Faso.
The Minister of Communications of Burkina Faso, Pingdwende Gilbert Ouédraogo, stated that the conditions for maintaining diplomatic relations no longer exist.
"The conditions necessary for developing relations based on mutual respect, trust, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for national sovereignty are no longer being met,"
The Associated Press notes that it is currently unknown what the practical consequences of this decision will be, particularly for the operation of the French embassy in Burkina Faso.