Burkina Faso rejects EU resolution as ‘neo-colonial’ interference

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on June 18, criticizing Burkina Faso’s human rights record, civic freedoms, and governance under the government led by popular leader Ibrahim Traore. In response, Burkina Faso summoned the Head of the European Union Delegation in Ouagadougou, rejecting the resolution as an infringement on its sovereignty and accusing European lawmakers of relying on misinformation and a neo-colonial understanding of African affairs.

The European Parliament passed the resolution with 476 votes to 11, and 75 abstentions. It called for greater scrutiny of human rights and press freedom in Burkina Faso, urged authorities to lift media restrictions, investigate alleged violations, reconsider withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, and ensure counterterrorism operations comply with international law. It also raised concerns over growing Russian influence in the country following the withdrawal of European forces.

On June 22, 2026, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabè Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, summoned the Head of the European Union Delegation to Burkina Faso, Ambassador Philippe Bronchain, to formally protest both the parliamentary resolution and remarks made during the debate by French Member of the European Parliament Christophe Gomart.

In a statement, the Burkinabè government expressed its “disapproval, regret, disappointment and disgust” over both the resolution and what it described as “accusing, rude and lying statements” made during the parliamentary session.

According to Minister Traoré, the arguments presented before the European Parliament were built on misinformation and reflected a profound misunderstanding of the realities facing Burkina Faso.