Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has reportedly turned down a proposal from the United States government seeking to deport illegal immigrants to his country.
According to reports, the U.S. plan aimed to relocate both African and non-African deportees as part of a broader immigration policy initially introduced under former President Donald Trump.
However, Captain Traoré firmly rejected the move, calling it “indecent and disrespectful” to Burkina Faso’s national values and sovereignty.
The military leader emphasized that Burkina Faso is a land of dignity, freedom, and honor, not a dumping ground for foreign deportees.
He insisted that his government would never allow the country to become a destination for people expelled from the U.S. or any other nation.
Many people feel Traoré’s stance reflects his strong anti-imperialist beliefs and increased efforts to assert Burkina Faso’s sovereignty in global affairs.
Since becoming president in 2022, his government has worked to strengthen ties with other African nations while rejecting foreign interference, notably from Western countries.
The country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, announced the decision late Thursday on national television, saying the junta had turned down Washington’s overtures to take in individuals expelled from the US, many of whom have no ties to Burkina Faso.
“Naturally, this proposal, which we considered indecent at the time, runs completely contrary to the principle of dignity,” Traoré said.
You may recall that, Trump administration since returning to power intensified its immigration crackdown by deporting migrants to third countries including Africa.
Nations such as Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda and South Sudan have reportedly agreed to receive deportees in recent months.
However, Burkina Faso, which has increasingly distanced itself from Western allies, stood its ground.
Traoré accused Washington of attempting to pressure the West African country after the US embassy in Ouagadougou announced a suspension of regular visa services for most residents.
The embassy stated that Burkinabe citizens seeking US visas would now be processed in Lomé, the capital of neighbouring Togo.
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