BURKINA FASO — The government of Burkina Faso severed diplomatic relations with France effective June 26, 2026. "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," said a statement read out on national television.

Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo stated that the essential conditions for promoting relations were not in place. "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," Ouedraogo said. He accused France of having "neo-colonial ambitions, made evident by its active support for subversive networks and the terrorists who are plunging our country and the Sahel into mourning".

Captain Ibrahim Traore leads the military government of Burkina Faso, which assumed power following a coup in September 2022. In January 2026, the military government formally dissolved political parties and seized their assets.

Armed groups, including the al-Qaeda-backed Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), control territory in the north, south, and west of the country. These groups also operate in Mali and Niger. Human Rights Watch reported in April 2025 that Burkina Faso's military committed atrocities, including the ethnic cleansing of Fulani civilians.

The government statement specified that the decision to cut ties exclusively concerns diplomatic relations between the two states. It stated that the decision does not call into question the historical, human, cultural, and social ties between the people of Burkina Faso and France. The statement also confirmed that French nationals in Burkina Faso will continue to be protected in accordance with the law.