Burkina Faso declares two EU diplomats persona non grata

The Government of Burkina Faso has declared two European Union diplomats persona non grata, mandating their immediate departure from the country within 72 hours. The decision, announced on July 14, 2026, affects the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in charge of press and information, along with the EU Programme Manager, though no official justification has been provided.

Diplomatic tensions escalate between Burkina Faso and the EU

This expulsion follows closely on the heels of a June 22 summoning of the EU Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, by the country’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré. The meeting was prompted by Burkina Faso’s strong condemnation of a European Parliament resolution viewed as an unacceptable interference in its domestic affairs.

Observers note that this latest development is part of a growing strain in relations between Ouagadougou and Brussels, marked by Burkina Faso’s recent decision to sever diplomatic ties with France on June 26.

Timeline of recent diplomatic actions

• June 22: Burkina Faso summons the EU Ambassador over a European Parliament resolution deemed hostile.
• June 26: Burkina Faso formally breaks diplomatic relations with France.
• July 14: Two EU diplomats declared persona non grata, given 72 hours to leave the country.

The absence of an official explanation raises questions about the underlying causes of this diplomatic rift.