Reasons why the Government of Burkina Faso sacked three French diplomats have been revealed. The revelation came following the discovery of a note by the Foreign Ministry by AFP on Thursday.
According to the Associated French Press, AFP, the note revealed the “subversive activities” of the French diplomats in the country. It stated that development is a further sign of mounting tensions between the African state and its former colonial master.
The three diplomats were declared “persona non grata” and told to leave the country in 48 hours. The order was contained in the Foreign Ministry note, dated Tuesday that was sent to the French embassy.
According to the Burkina ministry, the diplomats are Gwenaelle Habouzit, Herve Fournier and Guillaume Reisacher.
However, the French Government on Thursday said there were no grounds for the “unfounded” allegations.
According to the French Foreign Ministry spokesman, Christophe Lemoine, “There were no legitimate grounds for the Burkinabe authorities’ decision. We can only deplore it.”
Recall that since coming to power in a September 2022 coup, the junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore has distanced Burkina Faso from France. France ruled the country until 1960.
“The French ambassador was withdrawn from the country after the takeover. Burkina Faso also cancelled a 1961 military accord between the two countries. And ordered a withdrawal of French troops from the country.
The juntas, however, turned increasingly to Russia for security support.
“Also, number of French media outlets have been banned. While Russia has also agreed to build a nuclear power station for the African country.
According to a France source, “On December 1, four French officials were arrested, charged and imprisoned in the capital Ouagadougou.
The officials were accused of been intelligence agent by the Burkinabe authorities. But the French source said they were IT support staff.
“The four are now under house arrest,” according to Burkina security sources.
Also in December 2022, Ouagadougou expelled two French nationals working for a Burkina Faso company. They were accused of espionage.
Recall that France has ended anti-jihadist military missions in Mali and Burkina Faso. And more recently, has began to withdraw forces from Niger.
For several years, all three countries, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have faced recurrent jihadist attacks by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
“In Burkina Faso alone, around 20,000 people have been killed. And around two million people have been displaced since 2015.
source: Daily Trust
