Burkina Faso has declared two officials from the European Union delegation in Ouagadougou persona non grata, marking a new escalation in the country’s deteriorating relations with the EU. According to the Burkina Information Agency (AIB), the decision was communicated on July 14. The officials have been given 72 hours to leave the country. The two diplomats concerned are the deputy head of the European Union delegation and a programme officer. Their identities have not been made public.
No official explanation
The Burkinabe authorities have yet to provide an official reason for the expulsions, while the European Union has not publicly reacted. However, the move comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between Ouagadougou, Brussels and France following a resolution adopted by the European Parliament in June.
The resolution, introduced by a French Member of the European Parliament, criticized what it described as the shrinking civic space and restrictions on fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso. It also called for independent investigations into allegations of human rights violations.
Diplomatic relations continue to deteriorate
The Burkinabe government strongly rejected the resolution, describing it as hostile. On June 22, Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré summoned the head of the EU delegation to formally protest the European Parliament’s position. Shortly afterwards, Burkina Faso announced the severance of diplomatic relations with France, further widening the rift with its former Western partners.
The tensions also affected the European Union’s diplomatic engagement in the Sahel. During a visit to Burkina Faso, the EU Special Representative for the Sahel had scheduled meetings with Burkinabe authorities cancelled.
The latest expulsions signal another step in Burkina Faso’s increasingly confrontational foreign policy, as the military-led government continues to redefine its international alliances and distance itself from traditional Western partners.
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