Burkina Faso’s government has declared two European Union diplomats as persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within 72 hours.

Ouagadougou’s decision targets two senior EU diplomats stationed in the capital. The first is the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation, overseeing political affairs, press, and information. The second is the EU Delegation’s Program Manager. Both officials have been given a deadline to depart, as confirmed by government sources.

The move follows a period of growing diplomatic friction between Burkina Faso and the European Union. Tensions peaked after the European Parliament adopted a resolution on June 18, 2026, condemning the restrictions on civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso. The resolution’s passage prompted an immediate response from Burkinabè authorities, who summoned the EU Delegation’s Ambassador, Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, on June 22 to express their strong disapproval.

The deteriorating relations highlight the broader challenges facing the Sahel region, where diplomatic rifts and security concerns continue to strain international partnerships. Burkina Faso’s leadership has repeatedly criticized external interference in its internal affairs, framing such actions as threats to national sovereignty.