Burkina Faso–United States relations

Historically strong during the Cold War, relations between Burkina Faso and the United States have been subject to strain in recent years since the ascension to power of the Traoré government due to its alleged human rights abuses and democratic backsliding as well as its alignment with Russia and criticism of perceived western interference in the region.

According to the 2012 U.S. Global Leadership Report, 82% of Burkinabès approve of U.S. leadership, with 17% disapproving and 1% uncertain, the third-highest rating of the U.S. for any surveyed country in Africa. By 2024, this had declined to 53% approve, 31% disapprove and 17% uncertain.

Diplomatic Relations

The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso in 1960, following its independence from France. During the tenure of Blaise Compaoré, Washington viewed the country through the prism of regional stability. Later, under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Burkina Faso enjoyed trade preferences that boosted cotton exports and economic ties. Security cooperation expanded in the 2000s, as Burkina Faso became a partner in the US-led Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Initiative.

However, since the September 2022 Coup, and ascension of president Ibrahim Traoré the US suspended most military programs and stripped Burkina Faso of AGOA eligibility. During his tenure, Traoré has increasingly distanced Burkina Faso from France and ECOWAS, particularly by kicking out their troops, and has also increasingly aligned Burkina Faso with Russia, Turkey, China, as well as Mali and Niger.

In April 2025, General Michael Langley, commander of the U.S. Africa Command in a speech before the U.S. Senate, accusing the Burkinabè leader of corruption, using the nation’s gold for personal ends, and helping Russia and China establish an imperial foothold in Africa.