Relations between France and former colony Burkina Faso proceed to deteriorate as violence continues within the Sahel.

The French overseas ministry says it acquired a letter from the Burkinabe authorities in December requesting the departure of France’s ambassador from Burkina Faso.

The French ministry’s spokeswoman confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday by e-mail that it had acquired such a letter, however declined to provide additional particulars or say the way it had responded.

The Burkinabe authorities has declined to remark formally on stories it despatched this request to Paris final month.

“We’ve got certainly acquired a letter from the Burkinabe transitional authorities. This isn’t customary apply and we now have no public remark to make in response,” the French overseas ministry spokeswoman stated over e-mail.

The whereabouts and standing of French Ambassador Luc Hallade couldn’t instantly be confirmed. The embassy in Ouagadougou declined to remark.

The obvious expulsion indicators an additional deterioration in relations between Burkina Faso and former coloniser France which maintains sturdy ties with different former colonies in West Africa and has particular forces stationed there.

Protests by opponents of Paris’s army presence surged final 12 months, partly linked to France’s perceived inefficiency in tackling armed teams which have unfold their sphere of affect in recent times from neighbouring Mali.

The extended insecurity led to political instability and army coups in Mali – in August 2020 and Might 2021 – and in Burkina Faso – in January and September 2022.

Offended protesters focused the French embassy, cultural centre and army base in Burkina Faso on the day of the second coup and on November 18. Demonstrators demanded that France depart and known as on the interim army authorities to ask Russia for assist combating the rebels, as it’s doing in Mali.

After the second coup in Ouagadougou, the Burkinabe authorities accused France of supporting toppled army chief Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba in planning a counteroffensive.

In late December, Burkinabe authorities ordered senior UN official Barbara Manzi to depart the nation, accusing her of portray a unfavorable image of the safety scenario.