Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou: Analysts and civil society activists in Burkina Faso have been fiercely supporting the military regime’s recent initiative to cut diplomatic relations with France, claiming it will enhance the country’s independence and economic sovereignty.
The step was taken after Ouagadougou accused France of having “neo-colonial intentions” and of continuous interference in the country’s internal affairs. However, even as France expressed regret over what it called a “hostile and groundless decision” and emphasised the ongoing reconsideration of reciprocal measures, local officials hailed this historic event.
Noted political analyst Labidi Naaba commented that it is an inevitable step toward decades-long freedom. “Burkina Faso has started to walk the road of self-determination and construction of its own economic sovereignty,” said Naaba. He described this action as “liberation from the deceptive aid of the past.” Naaba further noted that other countries in the region, including Mali and Niger, will likely take the same route to maintain balance.
According to the civil society activist Nible Gnanou, the consequences will affect Paris far more than Ouagadougou. According to Gnanou, branches of French companies operating in the country will face considerable disruptions, which may force them to leave. In turn, Burkina Faso will gain several partners from different countries, and there is a high chance it may begin working with another European country, such as Germany.
Indeed, diplomatic relations between the two countries have declined sharply since Captain Ibrahim Traore came to power in 2022. There are many reasons for the deterioration of relations, including the withdrawal of French troops from the country in 2023, a ban on certain French media outlets, and previous expulsions of ambassadors.
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