French diplomats expelled from Burkina Faso

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. BBC News reports that he has pivoted Burkina Faso towards Russia, ending its close ties with France. 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. Rights groups say the junta has become increasingly intolerant of dissent.