Burkina Faso’s military junta has announced the immediate severance of diplomatic ties with France, accusing the European nation of consistently acting against the West African country’s interests. The decision was announced Friday via state television. France has strongly condemned the move, labeling it “hostile and unfounded” and stating it is considering reciprocal measures. This action follows a 2022 coup that brought the current junta to power, after which the government has increasingly adopted an authoritarian stance. The junta alleges ongoing French interference in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs, though specific details remain contested. This represents a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries, potentially impacting regional stability and France’s influence in the Sahel region. The move aligns with a growing trend of anti-French sentiment in some former French colonies in Africa.