Between 2020 and 2024, relations between France and Burkina Faso have undergone significant changes due to several factors. First, political instability in Burkina
Faso, expressed in two military coups (2022 and 2023), has significantly affected the nature of bilateral cooperation. Second, against the backdrop of growing anti-French sentiment in West Africa, Burkina Faso has become one of the countries where the French military and political presence has come under serious critical attack. This influenced the withdrawal of French troops and a change in French strategy in the region. The author has attempted to analyze the nature and dynamics of France-Burkina Faso relations in 2020—2024, to highlight the key factors influencing the dynamics of these relations in the context of political instability and regional crises, to explore the historical context and foundations of Franco-Burkinian relations until 2020 in order to understand their evolution. The researcher also analyzes the impact of political instability in Burkina Faso, including the coups d'état of 2022 and 2023, on bilateral relations as well as attempts to assess France's role in the security of the Sahel region. The methodological basis of the study is a systematic approach, which consists in a comprehensive study of the Fifth Republic's policy in Burkina Faso, including its evolution, implementation mechanisms, as well as institutional and legal frameworks. In addition, the author used content analysis of political and economic reports, media publications and analytical materials on Franco-African relations; comparative analysis of the dynamics of French and Burkina Faso foreign policy within the framework of the events of 2020—2024 and the case study method, with a focus on coups d'état and military operations in the region.
For citation: Smirnova O.A. Evolution of France—Burkina-Faso relations in 2020—2024, Ivanovo State University Bulletin. Series: Humanities, 2025, iss. 3, pp. 98—105.