Burkina Faso Frees Four French Spies After Moroccan Mediation
Four French nationals detained in Burkina Faso for a year have been released following diplomatic mediation led by Morocco, according to statements from both France and Morocco on Thursday. The resolution of their detention marks the end of a tense chapter in Burkina Faso-France relations.
The four individuals, previously identified as spies by the head of France’s foreign intelligence agency, DGSE, had been held in Ouagadougou since December 2023. However, neither the DGSE nor the French military, which oversees the agency, provided further comments on their release.
In a statement, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed gratitude to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for his crucial role in the negotiations, which ultimately secured the release. “This was made possible thanks to the mediation of King Mohammed, to whom we extend our deepest thanks,” Macron said.
Morocco’s foreign ministry also commended the collaborative effort, praising King Mohammed VI and Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré for their roles in achieving what it described as a “humanitarian act.” The ministry highlighted the strong ties between Morocco and Burkina Faso, emphasizing that the success of the mediation reflects the positive relations between the two nations.
The diplomatic success comes amid broader efforts by Morocco to solidify its influence in the Sahel region, promising military-ruled nations like Burkina Faso improved access to global trade through the Atlantic. Morocco has maintained strong ties with Burkina Faso despite the West African nation’s deteriorating relations with France.
In contrast, France’s ties with Burkina Faso and other former colonies in West and Central Africa remain fraught with tension. Burkina Faso’s military junta, which seized power in a coup in 2022, has expelled French troops, diplomats, and media outlets in recent years, signaling a shift away from its former colonial power.
The junta’s government has faced widespread criticism from international rights organizations for stifling free speech and intimidating opponents as it grapples with a worsening security crisis fueled by militant violence.
This development also follows Morocco’s recent reconciliation with France after years of strained relations over immigration issues and the disputed Western Sahara territory. The diplomatic thaw, formalized in October 2024, appears to have created an avenue for collaboration on regional security issues.
Observers see the release of the French nationals as a potential step toward easing tensions, though the broader relationship between Burkina Faso and France remains complex and unresolved.
