According to figures published by Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the fifth edition of its statistical bulletin Burkinabe Diplomacy in Figures, the country recorded 142 asylum applications and welcomed 442 returning migrants between January and March 2026.
The figures point to a sharp decline in requests for international protection compared with the same period in 2025, amid increasingly restrictive migration policies in several host countries.
The management of humanitarian and migration issues remains a key component of Burkina Faso’s diplomatic agenda. Statistics compiled by the ministry’s General Secretariat highlight the importance attached to protecting asylum seekers and supporting Burkinabe nationals returning home.
During the first quarter of 2026, the Permanent Secretariat of the National Commission for Refugees (SP/CONAREF) registered 142 asylum applications. This represents a significant decrease from the 1,467 applications recorded during the same period in 2025.
The data show that women accounted for the majority of asylum seekers. They represented 60.56% of registered applicants, or 86 individuals, compared with 56 men, who accounted for 39.44% of the total. Authorities noted that the registration of these applications reflects Burkina Faso’s international commitments regarding refugee protection and demonstrates the country’s longstanding tradition of hospitality and solidarity.
Support for returning migrants
Alongside the management of asylum claims, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assisted 442 returning migrants during the first three months of the year. The figure is slightly lower than the 481 returnees witnessed during the first quarter of 2025.
These assistance operations, conducted in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, primarily involved men, who accounted for 70.4% of beneficiaries, or 311 individuals. Women represented 14.3% of the total with 63 beneficiaries, while minors accounted for 15.4%, or 68 children.
According to the Directorate General for Sectoral Studies and Statistics (DGESS), the scale of these returns remains significant and is largely linked to tighter residency requirements and migration policies in several host countries.
Diaspora remains engaged
Despite the challenges facing many Burkinabe citizens living abroad, the diaspora continues to contribute to national efforts. During the first quarter of 2026, overseas Burkinabe communities mobilised CFA 151.6 million for the Patriotic Support Fund (FSP).
Although this contribution was down from the CFA 179.9 million collected during the same period in 2025, it underscores the continued commitment of Burkinabe communities abroad to the country’s development and stability.
The authorities attribute this mobilisation to awareness campaigns carried out by diplomatic missions and consular offices, which continue to strengthen ties between the diaspora and the homeland.
HO/te/Sf/lb/as/APA