Burkina Faso's pro-Russia junta expels French diplomats – BBC.com

Burkina Faso's military junta has expelled three French diplomats, accusing them of "subversive activities".
France said there were "no grounds" to expel the diplomats.
The expulsions are the latest sign of worsening relations between the two nations since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a coup in 2022.
He has pivoted Burkina Faso towards Russia, ending its close ties with France, the former colonial power.
Russia reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso in December after it was shut more than 30 years ago, while the French ambassador was expelled by the junta the following month.
Russia is also helping the West African state to strengthen its military capabilities to fight jihadists after the junta forced France to shut its military base.
In a letter dated 16 April, the junta gave the diplomats 48 hours to leave after declaring them persona non grata.
It did not give details of their alleged subversive activities, but reports say the diplomats met members of civil society.
In its response, France's foreign ministry said it rejected the "unfounded" accusations made against its embassy staff.
"There were no legitimate grounds for the Burkinabé authorities' decision. We can only deplore it," spokesman Christophe Lemoine was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.
Rights groups say the junta has become increasingly intolerant of dissent, going as far as punishing its critics by forcing them to go to the front lines of the battle against jihadists.
Last year, four French nationals were detained after being accused of being intelligence agents.
French sources denied the allegation and said they were IT experts.
In December 2022, two French nationals working for a Burkinabé company were also deported for alleged espionage.
The doctor forced to go to the jihadist front line
Why young Africans are celebrating military takeovers
Did coups in Mali and Burkina Faso halt jihadist attacks?
An audible sigh of relief in the Middle East
BBC Verify examines video from Israel's attack on Iran. VideoBBC Verify examines video from Israel's attack on Iran
Protester sets himself on fire outside Trump trial
What we know about Israel's missile attack on Iran
Attack sends message to Iran but Israelis divided over response
Bowen: Crisis shows how badly Iran and Israel understand each other
The Papers: 'World waits on Iran' and Sunak gets tough on benefits
UK's largest indoor arena opens with big plans
Taylor Swift is vulnerable but vicious on new album
Weekly quiz: What made Liz Truss itch in Downing Street?
Can TikTok's owner afford to lose its killer app?
An attack on women that has devastated Australia
'I'm not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity'
Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter Sellers
Unearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestors
Britain's Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian London
Profound revelation, glorious chaos and a lot of laughs
Michael Sheen faces the interview of a lifetime where no question is off the table
Fancy a film?
There's something for everyone on BBC iPlayer
Why do they run the London Marathon? VideoWhy do they run the London Marathon?
A deadly bombing campaign rocks Dundee. VideoA deadly bombing campaign rocks Dundee
A tale of ambition and fame gone wrong. VideoA tale of ambition and fame gone wrong
Ridley Scott’s sci-fi adventure VideoRidley Scott’s sci-fi adventure
© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

source

About The Author

admin

See author's posts