Burkina Faso’s military junta has expelled three French diplomats, accusing them of “subversive activities”.

France said there were “no grounds” to expel the diplomats.

The expulsions are the latest sign of worsening relations between the two nations since Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power in a coup in 2022.

He has pivoted Burkina Faso towards Russia, ending its close ties with France, the former colonial power.

Russia reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso in December after it was shut more than 30 years ago, while the French ambassador was expelled by the junta the following month.

Russia is also helping the West African state to strengthen its military capabilities to fight jihadists after the junta forced France to shut its military base.

In a letter dated 16 April, the junta gave the diplomats 48 hours to leave after declaring them persona non grata.

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