Morocco’s King Secures Release of Four French Citizens in Burkina Faso

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad confirmed the mediation of the Moroccan Sovereign, highlighting the role of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Burkina Faso in this favorable outcome.

Ibrahim Traoré, President of the Republic of Burkina Faso, acceded to His Majesty the King’s request to release the four French nationals, it is learned, insisting on the "exceptional relations" between His Majesty the King and President Traoré, and highlighting the solid historical ties between the two nations.

President Emmanuel Macron "spoke yesterday, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, by telephone with His Majesty King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, to warmly thank him for the success of the mediation that made possible the release of our four compatriots held for a year in Burkina Faso," reacted the Élysée.

The transfer to the Ouagadougou prison of the four civil servants, accused of espionage and indicted, had provoked a diplomatic crisis between France and Burkina Faso.