The Latest Breaking News from Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has expelled three French diplomats for "subversive activities", according to a foreign ministry note seen by AFP on Thursday, in a further sign of mounting tensions between the African state and its former colonial master.

Burkina Faso has expelled three French diplomats for "subversive activities", according to a foreign ministry note seen by FRANCE 24 on Thursday.

Attacks by jihadists are on the rise in both Niger and Mali, where juntas are keen to hold on to power. The volatile situation in the Sahel region is casting a long shadow over future elections and the return to civilian rule, which now look increasingly distant.

Niger’s ruling military angered by US accusations of ‘secret deals’ with Iran and partnering with Russia.

Russia is increasing its influence in Burkina Faso, where disillusionment with French politics has left a void.

Turkey, Iran and Morocco are vying for a greater economic and military role in Africa's Sahel after former colonial ruler France's forced withdrawal from the volatile region.

"Health and Sovereignty" was the theme. "Medical sovereignty is one of the multifaceted parts of sovereignty and Russia wants to help African countries advance it," he said in French to the Burkina24 network at the conference, where some wore stickers of the Russian and Burkina Faso flags.

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have agreed to set up a joint force to tackle security threats across their territories.

Learn about the challenges faced by a joint security force formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to combat extremist violence in the Sahel region.