The French diplomatic presence in Burkina Faso has officially ended following four years of rapidly deteriorating relations. The withdrawal marks the conclusion of a significant cooling in bilateral ties between the former colonial power and the West African nation. French staff have now departed the country entirely, severing formal administrative links.
An attack by militants, identified as Islamic State, resulted in the deaths of 22 soldiers and militia members in Burkina Faso. The assault took place near the Dedougou region. This incident marks another escalation in the ongoing violence between security forces and extremist groups in the country.
The Burkina Faso armed forces report a successful operation against militant groups in the Gayeri and Sirba regions, resulting in the deaths of over 400 combatants. The military stated the insurgents were killed while attempting to attack several military positions simultaneously. The incident marks a significant, albeit violent, escalation in the state's effort to regain control over border zones.