The Government of Burkina Faso has declared two European Union diplomats persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within 72 hours. The decision, announced on July 15, 2026, affects the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in charge of press and information, as well as a Program Officer, according to local sources.
The authorities have not provided any official explanation for this unprecedented move, which marks a new low in relations between Ouagadougou and Brussels. The two diplomats were given a strict deadline to depart, with no further details disclosed regarding the reasons behind their expulsion.
Diplomatic tensions escalate
This latest development follows a series of diplomatic confrontations. On June 22, 2026, the Burkinabè Foreign Minister summoned the EU Ambassador, Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, to protest against a resolution passed by the European Parliament. The resolution was deemed hostile and an unacceptable interference in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs, according to government statements.
The expulsion of these two EU officials comes amid growing strains between Burkina Faso and its traditional partners. Earlier, on June 26, 2026, Ouagadougou announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with France, further isolating the country on the international stage.
The decision to expel the diplomats reflects a broader shift in Burkina Faso’s foreign policy, prioritizing national sovereignty and distancing itself from external pressures. While the exact motives remain undisclosed, the move underscores the government’s firm stance against perceived foreign interference.
