Burkina Faso expels three French diplomats for 'subversive activities'
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Burkina Faso has expelled three French diplomats for their involvement in "subversive activities," as stated in a note from the foreign ministry.
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Protest against France and the West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS in the streets of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on October 4, 2022. (AP)
Burkina Faso's military government has expelled three French diplomats over accusations of "subversive activities", the foreign ministry announced according to a letter obtained by Reuters on Thursday.
According to a letter dated April 16, addressed to the French embassy, the three diplomats, two of whom were identified as political advisors, were declared persona non grata and instructed to leave the country within 48 hours.
The West African country is governed by a military junta that took control in a coup in 2022, resulting in strained relations with its former colonial ruler, France.
Since then, Ouagadougou has expelled French troops, pressured France to recall its ambassador, and suspended some French media outlets.
This comes after the Transitional President of Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Traore, stated in February that the nation is on the path to independence across all aspects, particularly after its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Speaking to thousands of youth, Traoré urged the youth to remain calm and overcome the fear and panic propagated by certain factions regarding Burkina Faso's exit from ECOWAS. He emphasized that individuals betraying their homeland for imperialism will face appropriate consequences, highlighting the absence of any sympathy for traitors.
France officially withdraws last military troops
Last year in February, after a month of protests and demands by the Burkinabe people, France finally withdrew its remaining military from Burkina Faso.
The Burkina military command confirmed in a statement that an event took place to mark the end of their presence at Camp Bila Zagre, northeast of the capital of Ouagadougou.
Col. Adam Nere, the chief of staff of Burkina Faso’s army, and French Lt. Col. Louis Lecacheur were attendees of the ceremony, which included a lowering of the French flag.
