Burkina Faso declares two EU diplomats persona non grata, demanding their departure within three days.

Relations between Burkina Faso and the European Union continue to be fraught with tension. Ouagadougou has officially designated two European Union diplomats, currently stationed in the capital, as “persona non grata.” The individuals in question are the Deputy Head of Delegation, who also leads the Political, Press, and Information Section for the EU Delegation in Burkina Faso, and the Program Officer for the same delegation.

These two European diplomatic personnel have been issued a strict three-day ultimatum to depart from Burkinabè territory. This significant diplomatic action unfolds amidst a discernible deterioration in diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and the European Union. The escalating tensions stem from the European Parliament’s adoption of a resolution on June 18, 2026, which was explicitly titled: “Persistence of the repression of civic space and fundamental freedoms in Burkina Faso.”

This move from Brussels had previously triggered considerable displeasure among Burkinabè authorities. In a direct and firm response, Ouagadougou had summoned Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, the Ambassador and Head of the European Union Delegation to Burkina Faso, on June 22, to convey the nation’s profound disapproval regarding the aforementioned resolution.