Burkina Faso’s military-led government has firmly rejected a reported proposal by the United States to deport African migrants, including those of Burkinabé origin, to its territory as part of Washington’s ongoing immigration control measures.
In a statement issued late Thursday, the Burkinabé Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the alleged plan as “unacceptable and contrary to national sovereignty,” emphasizing that no agreement existed between Ouagadougou and Washington permitting the transfer of any foreign nationals to the West African country.
“The Government of Burkina Faso categorically rejects any attempt to make our territory a destination for deported persons from the United States or any other country,” the statement read. “Such a decision would undermine our security, social cohesion, and the dignity of the Burkinabé people.”
Reports had surfaced earlier in the week that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was in talks with several African nations to facilitate the deportation of undocumented migrants who could not be repatriated to their home countries due to conflict or lack of diplomatic ties. Burkina Faso was allegedly listed among potential destinations for “third-country resettlement.”
However, Burkina Faso’s junta dismissed the reports, warning that any such arrangement would be seen as a violation of its sovereignty and could have diplomatic consequences. The government insisted it had not been consulted and would not accept “forced relocations” from foreign powers.
READ ALSO: Defence Minister Inaugurates NDC Course 34
Political analysts in Ouagadougou said the strong reaction reflects the junta’s desire to assert independence amid tense relations with Western powers. Since seizing power in 2022, Burkina Faso’s military rulers have shifted foreign policy away from traditional Western allies toward Russia and other non-Western partners.
“This rejection is as much about sovereignty as it is about politics,” said Dr. Hamidou Traoré, a political scientist at the University of Ouagadougou. “The junta wants to send a clear message that it will not take instructions from Washington, especially on matters with security implications.”
The U.S. government has not issued an official response to Burkina Faso’s statement. However, State Department officials speaking anonymously told international media that Washington “continues to explore bilateral options” to manage irregular migration in line with international law and mutual consent.
Human rights organizations have also raised concerns about the alleged deportation plan, warning that transferring migrants to unstable or conflict-prone regions like Burkina Faso could expose them to danger. Amnesty International urged both governments to prioritize humanitarian considerations over political convenience.
Burkina Faso has been grappling with a worsening insurgency linked to Islamist groups, displacing over two million people internally and straining the country’s social services. Analysts say the idea of receiving deported migrants from abroad would add further pressure to an already fragile humanitarian situation.
For many citizens, the government’s decision resonated with national pride. “We cannot solve America’s immigration problems at the expense of our own people,” said a resident of Ouagadougou in a local radio interview. “Our government did the right thing.”
As of Friday, there were no indications of further diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and Burkina Faso on the issue, leaving Washington’s broader deportation strategy in Africa uncertain.