The undiplomatic escalation between France and Burkina Faso has reached a new high, with the French envoy to Ouagadougou told to leave the West African country.The transition authorities have asked France to recall its ambassador accredited to the country, Luc Hallade, according to several sources contacted by APA.

 The military authorities say Hallade is no longer a “reliable interlocutor” and no longer wish to work with the French diplomat.

 This is a new stage in the diplomatic row between Burkina Faso and France. 

In mid-December, two French citizens, accused of spying on the army, were expelled from the country.

 At the beginning of July, Luc Hallade had indicated in a letter to French MPs that the security crisis in Burkina Faso is “in reality a civil war; part of the population is rebelling against the state and seeking to overthrow it.”

 A few days later, during the commemoration of the French national day in Ouagadougou, the diplomat again attacked some Internet users whom he called “useful idiots” who without evidence accuse his country in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel.

 Describing these comments as “discourteous” and “unfriendly,” the Burkinabe government said it “vigorously protested.” 

Some citizens had called for his expulsion.

 Since the accession of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, several demonstrations have been held against the presence of French soldiers in the country.

This is happening against a backdrop of a rapprochement with Russia.