Makana Kennedy
Burkina Faso has taken a decisive step in its diplomatic rift with France by declaring three French nationals “persona non grata” for their alleged involvement in subversive activities within the country. This move comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the arrest and ongoing detention of four French secret service agents.
The strained relations between Burkina Faso and France can be traced back to the September 2022 coup led by Capt Ibrahim Traoré, which triggered a significant shift in Burkina Faso’s foreign policy towards closer ties with Russia. As a consequence, Burkina Faso has announced the cessation of French military presence in the country, further exacerbating the diplomatic standoff between the two nations.
The expulsion of the three French nationals, identified as Gwenaëlle Habouzit, Hervé Fournier, and Guillaume Reisacher, underscores Burkina Faso’s firm stance against perceived foreign interference in its internal affairs. The government’s actions reflect a growing assertiveness in asserting its sovereignty and independence from former colonial powers.
The expulsion of the French nationals is likely to deepen the diplomatic rift between Burkina Faso and France, with implications for bilateral relations and regional stability. It also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Sahel region, where competing interests and alliances shape the political landscape.
As Burkina Faso navigates these challenging diplomatic waters, the expulsion of the French nationals signals a new chapter in the country’s foreign policy, characterized by a renewed emphasis on sovereignty, self-determination, and non-alignment with former colonial powers. The repercussions of this diplomatic spat are likely to reverberate across the region, underscoring the need for constructive dialogue and diplomatic engagement to resolve tensions and promote peace and stability in the Sahel.
