The Burkina Faso government has taken a decisive step in its diplomatic relations by declaring two European Union officials persona non grata. The decision, announced on July 14, 2026, requires the diplomats to leave the country within 72 hours.

The officials, identified as the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation in Burkina Faso—responsible for press and information—and a Programme Officer at the EU Delegation, were given no prior notice or official explanation for their expulsion.

Diplomatic tensions escalate between Burkina Faso and the EU

This expulsion follows a recent diplomatic confrontation between Ouagadougou and Brussels. On June 22, 2026, the Burkinabe Foreign Minister summoned the EU Ambassador, Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, to protest a resolution passed by the European Parliament. The Burkinabe government condemned the resolution as hostile and an unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Relations between Burkina Faso and the European Union have been steadily deteriorating. Earlier, on June 26, 2026, the Burkinabe government announced the suspension of diplomatic ties with France, further straining its ties with Western partners.

What’s next for Burkina Faso’s foreign relations?

With this latest move, Burkina Faso is signaling a shift in its foreign policy, prioritizing national sovereignty and distancing itself from external pressures. The expulsion of the EU diplomats underscores the government’s firm stance against perceived meddling in its affairs.