In a move that further strains their already tense relationship, Burkina Faso’s military junta has ordered the expulsion of the French embassy’s defense attache, Emmanuel Pasquier, citing “subversive” behavior, according to a leaked letter disclosed on Friday.
This expulsion marks the latest escalation of tensions between Burkina Faso, a West African nation, and its former colonial ruler, France, following two military coups in the past year. France has maintained strong ties with its former colonies and has a significant military presence in West Africa. However, this presence has faced mounting hostility due to the succession of military coups, with critics perceiving it as undue interference.
The leaked letter, dated September 14 and confirmed by Reuters, stipulates that Pasquier and his team must depart the country within two weeks. Despite this order, it’s worth noting that as of now, Emmanuel Pasquier remains in Burkina Faso. The French embassy in Ouagadougou did not respond to attempts to contact them, and France’s foreign ministry stated it was investigating the reports and couldn’t offer immediate comment.
The letter providing the rationale for Pasquier’s expulsion did not provide specific details about his alleged actions. It did mention the immediate closure of Burkina Faso’s defense section at its embassy in Paris.
Burkina Faso’s transitional government, which seized power, has previously ordered the departure of France’s ambassador and a senior United Nations official, Barbara Manzi. Additionally, there has been a crackdown on French media within the country.
Anti-French sentiment has been growing in Burkina Faso since the nation first fell under military rule in January 2022. Several protests have occurred, primarily driven by opposition to the French military presence, partly rooted in the perception that France has not adequately addressed the jihadist insurgency that has spread from neighboring Mali in recent years.
This sustained insecurity has contributed to political instability and has seen two military coups in Mali, two in Burkina Faso, and one in Niger since 2020. In fact, Niger’s junta, which took power at the end of July, expelled the French ambassador just last month.
These developments reflect a complex dynamic between foreign powers and their former colonies, where issues of sovereignty, security, and perceived interference remain subjects of intense debate.
