Burkina Faso breaks off diplomatic relations with France

Burkina Faso has broken ​off diplomatic relations with France, the ‌government said on state television on Friday, widening a rupture with its former colonial ​ruler after years of worsening ties ​over security, sovereignty and alleged foreign ⁠interference, Report informs via Reuters.

The West African country has ​been battling an Islamist insurgency that ​has killed thousands while displacing millions over the past decade since it spread from neighbouring ​Mali.

"The essential conditions for promoting relations ​based on mutual respect, reciprocal trust, respect for ‌the ⁠principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and national sovereignty are not in place," Communications Minister Gilbert Ouedraogo said.

Ouedraogo ​said the ​decision took ⁠effect on June 26 and followed a review of relations ​with Paris.

He accused France ​of ⁠supporting "subversive networks" and "terrorists."