OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — The government of Burkina Faso, under the leadership of the junta, announced on Thursday the release of four French nationals, whom they referred to as spies. This development followed negotiations facilitated by Morocco between the two nations.
According to a statement from the West African nation’s information agency, President Capt. Ibrahim Traore expressed his appreciation for Morocco’s diplomatic involvement. He acknowledged that the relationship between Burkina Faso and France had deteriorated significantly in recent years.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, via a post on X on Thursday, classified the released individuals as members of the French armed forces.
The four French nationals were detained in Ouagadougou in December 2023, facing allegations related to espionage, as reported by Jeune Afrique and other French media outlets. Their arrest coincided with a period of strained relations between France and its former colonies in the Sahel region, including Burkina Faso. After experiencing two coups, Burkina Faso expelled French military personnel and sought assistance from Russia for its security needs.
The current ruling junta has also cooperated with neighboring nations to form the Alliance of Sahel States, composed of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all of which are grappling with ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.
In a statement released by France’s Elysee Palace, President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to Morocco’s King Mohamed VI for mediating the discussions that resulted in the release of the detainees.
Morocco has been eager to enhance its involvement in the Sahel region and commended its mediating role between Burkina Faso and France. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the negotiations as a “humanitarian initiative.”
As France scales back its presence in the Sahel, countries like Russia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are keen on establishing stronger security and trade ties in the area. Morocco also aims to expand its influence as a diplomatic intermediary and economic ally, launching initiatives to strengthen relationships and improve infrastructure that would provide landlocked nations with better access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Additionally, Morocco has reinforced its relations with France since July, especially after Paris shifted its position to support Morocco’s autonomy proposal concerning the contested territory of Western Sahara.