Tensions escalate as Burkina Faso declares two EU diplomats persona non grata

The Burkinabe authorities have taken a decisive step by declaring two European Union diplomats as persona non grata, granting them a 72-hour ultimatum to leave the country. This unexpected move comes at a time when diplomatic relations between Ouagadougou and Brussels are already strained.

The decision follows the European Parliament’s adoption of a resolution in mid-2026 that heavily criticized Burkina Faso’s handling of civic space and fundamental freedoms. The resolution, titled “Ongoing Repression of Civic Space and Fundamental Freedoms in Burkina Faso,” triggered strong reactions from Burkinabe officials, who summoned the EU’s ambassador in Ouagadougou for a formal reprimand.

The two diplomats affected by this decision hold key positions within the EU delegation in Burkina Faso. One serves as Deputy Head of Delegation and Head of the Political Section, overseeing press and information matters, while the other is a Program Officer within the EU delegation. Their forced departure underscores the deepening rift between Burkina Faso and its European partners.

The Burkinabe government’s response reflects growing frustration with international criticism, particularly from European institutions. This latest development signals a further deterioration in diplomatic ties, raising concerns about future cooperation between Burkina Faso and the European Union.