Rumours had been circulating on the internet. On 9 October 2025, the Burkinabe authorities officially announced that Burkinabe citizens would henceforth have to travel to Lomé, Togo, to submit their U.S. visa applications. Appearing on Burkina Faso National Television (RTB) news (RTB), Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad, clarified the details of this decision and reaffirmed Burkina Faso’s firm stance against what the country considers to be American pressure.

Henceforth, Burkinabe citizens must submit their U.S. visa applications in Lomé

According to the verbal note mentioned by the minister, the United States considers Burkina Faso, along with several other African countries, to be among those whose nationals do not comply with tourist and student visa regulations. Consequently, the U.S. Embassy has been instructed to temporarily suspend issuing these visas to Burkinabè citizens, who must now apply for them at the U.S. Embassy in Lomé. The minister also emphasised that the verbal note specifies the resumption of registration and payment procedures for visa issuance.

U.S. proposal deemed indecent by Burkina Faso

The minister explained that, since the Trump administration returned to power, with a migration policy aimed at identifying and deporting irregular migrants to other countries, a proposal had been made to Burkina Faso to accept other migrants in this situation, in addition to its own nationals.

He stated that Burkina Faso considered the proposal to be indecent and contrary to human dignity. Despite several meetings at which U.S. authorities persisted in their demands, Burkina Faso’s position has remained firm.

Burkina Faso is a hospitable country, not a place of deportation.

Following the adoption of a decree granting free visas to Africans wishing to visit Burkina Faso, pressure from the US authorities increased. The Burkinabè authorities have reiterated that any African national who buys a plane ticket to Burkina Faso will receive a free visa. However, Burkina Faso cannot serve as a place of deportation for people who are forced to choose a destination. Burkina Faso is determined to remain a welcoming place to Africans without becoming a dumping ground for people deemed undesirable by other countries.

Pressure and blackmail…

The minister explained that this decision to relocate visa applications to Lomé resembled a form of pressure and blackmail and came after Burkina Faso had repeatedly refused to accept the US proposal. He affirmed that, true to its progressive and popular revolution, Burkina Faso will continue to be a dignified nation.

The arrival of Afro-descendants

Regarding their expected arrival at the end of October 2025, the minister denied any connection with the US decision. He also condemned the current American migration policy of viewing every foreigner as a potential threat. He pointed out that these foreigners include Africans and Latin Americans who have contributed to peace and the economic development in the United States.

The Afro-descendants who wish to come to Burkina Faso are brothers and sisters who are eager to reconnect with their history and they have chosen this country out of affection. Many wish to settle there and acquire Burkinabè nationality, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who assured them that all necessary arrangements are being made to welcome them. He emphasised that these individuals must not be confused with migrants who are forced to choose their destination.

Reciprocity

“We will take all necessary measures, up to and including those taken by the American authorities,” declared Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré. He also assured us of Burkina Faso’s commitment to preserving the friendship, solidarity and brotherhood between the peoples of the two countries.