France said on Saturday it was considering taking ​reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso ‌broke off diplomatic relations.

Burkina Faso said on Friday it had severed links with ​its former colonial ruler after ​years of worsening ties over ⁠security, sovereignty and alleged foreign ​interference.

“France regrets this hostile and unfounded ​decision, which illustrates the worrying drift of the Burkinabe authorities,” the French ​foreign ministry said in a ​statement.

It urged French nationals in Burkina Faso “to ‌exercise ⁠heightened vigilance”.

The West African country has been battling an Islamist insurgency that has spread from Mali ​and killed ​thousands ⁠and displaced millions in the region over the ​past decade.

Burkina Faso Communications Minister ​Gilbert ⁠Ouedraogo said the decision took effect on Friday and accused ⁠France ​of supporting “subversive networks” and “terrorists”, ​charges that France has previously denied.

Reporting by ​Makini Brice; Editing by Andrew Heavens

SOURCE: REUTERS