France prepares retaliatory measures after Burkina Faso decision to sever relations

The French authorities are considering possible retaliatory measures after the government of Burkina Faso announced the severance of diplomatic relations with the republic. This is stated in a statement by the French Foreign Ministry.

"France takes note of Burkina Faso's unilateral decision to sever diplomatic relations <...> and expresses regret over this hostile and unfounded decision, which indicates a worrying deviation from the normal course on the part of the authorities of Burkina Faso. The necessary retaliatory measures are currently being considered," the communiqué says.
Against this background, Paris recalled the close ties between the peoples of the two countries. It also assured that it pays special attention to the security of civil servants and the French community in Burkina Faso, and therefore called on them to maintain increased vigilance.

On the night of June 27, the government of Burkina Faso announced the severance of diplomatic relations with France, accusing it of carrying out actions directed against the interests of the African state. In an official statement, the Burkinabe authorities accuse Paris of neocolonialism and support for terrorist networks in the Sahel region, as well as distorted coverage of events in the country. Against this background, it is emphasized that the necessary conditions for the development of relations based on mutual respect, trust, non-interference in internal affairs and respect for national sovereignty "no longer exist."

Source: TASS