Burkina Faso Expels French Military Attaché Over 'Subversive Activities'

Burkina Faso's foreign ministry has officially informed France of the expulsion of the embassy's military attaché, Emmanuel Pasquier, citing allegations of "subversive activities." This announcement came to light through an official letter obtained by AFP on Friday. The ministry's communication outlined that not only Emmanuel Pasquier but also his entire team have been given a two-week ultimatum to vacate the country. This action underscores the gravity of the allegations, as Burkina Faso grapples with the aftermath of two military coups that transpired in the preceding year. The decision to expel the French military attaché is likely to strain relations between Burkina Faso and France, as diplomatic tensions escalate. The specific details of the alleged "subversive activities" have not been publicly disclosed, raising questions about the nature of the accusations and the evidence supporting them. France has historically maintained a significant presence in Burkina Faso, particularly in the realm of security cooperation, which has been crucial in countering extremist threats and promoting stability in the region. This expulsion could potentially impact ongoing security and military collaborations between the two countries. As both nations navigate this diplomatic dispute, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation to gauge its implications for regional stability and bilateral relations. The expulsion of a foreign military attaché is a rare and consequential step, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations levied against Emmanuel Pasquier. In the coming weeks, it remains to be seen how Burkina Faso and France will address this issue and whether efforts will be made to mend the strained ties. The repercussions of this expulsion could reverberate beyond the diplomatic sphere, affecting broader security dynamics in West Africa.