Burkina Faso breaks off diplomatic relations with France

Burkina Faso has broken off diplomatic relations with France, the government said on state television on Friday, widening a rupture with its former colonial ruler after years of worsening ties over security, sovereignty and alleged foreign interference.

The decision follows a “thorough assessment” of the state of bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a government statement on Friday.

The West African country has been battling an insurgency that has killed thousands while displacing millions over the past decade, since it spread from neighbouring Mali.

“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,” Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said.