Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (Running Africa) — Burkina Faso has officially severed diplomatic relations with France, marking another major shift in the West African nation’s foreign policy as its military-led government deepens its break from its former colonial power.

The government accused France of pursuing “neo-colonial ambitions” and acting against Burkina Faso’s national interests, allegations Paris dismissed as “hostile and unfounded.”

The diplomatic split follows years of deteriorating relations since Capt. Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a 2022 military coup and adopted policies aimed at reducing Western influence in Burkina Faso.

France has steadily lost its presence in the country over the past three years. French troops were expelled shortly after the coup, several French diplomats were ordered to leave, and the French ambassador’s post has remained vacant since 2023.

The latest move comes as Burkina Faso continues to strengthen ties with Russia and China while reshaping regional alliances. Alongside Mali and Niger, the country formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) in 2025.

Burkina Faso remains at the center of a prolonged Islamist insurgency that has displaced millions and fueled instability across the Sahel. The military government argues that its new international partnerships better support its security priorities.

Despite ending formal diplomatic relations, authorities stressed that the decision does not affect the longstanding cultural and social connections between the people of Burkina Faso and France, saying those ties will continue.