Embassy of the United States, Ouagadougou

Coordinates: 12°18′18″N 1°29′49″W / 12.30500°N 1.49694°W / 12.30500; -1.49694
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Embassy of the United States, Ouagadougou
Map
LocationBurkina Faso Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
AddressOuagadougou, Burkina Faso American Embassy Sector 15, Ouaga 2000 Rue 15.873
Coordinates12°18′18″N 1°29′49″W / 12.30500°N 1.49694°W / 12.30500; -1.49694
Websitehttps://bf.usembassy.gov

The Embassy of the United States in Ouagadougou is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America in Burkina Faso. The embassy handles more than 4,200 non-immigrant visas and 200 immigrant visa applications annually.[1]

History[edit]

Dwight D. Eisenhower, the president of the United States, recognized the Republic of Upper Volta on August 5, 1960. The country's name was changed to Burkina Faso in 1984.[2] Diplomatic relations between the United States and Burkina Faso were officially established on the same day, August 5, 1960, when Donald R. Norland was appointed as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim. Robert McKinnon later assumed the position of Chargé d'Affaires ad interim when the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou was formally established on December 31, 1960.[2]

U.S. relations with Burkina Faso have been characterized by support during the country's difficult 2014-2015 political transition and a focus on democratization, human rights, sustainable economic development, and regional peace and stability. The embassy supports the country's participation in the Trans-Saharan Counterterrorism Initiative and the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program.[3]

Since 2007, alongside its diplomatic functions, the embassy has been closely linked with the expansion of U.S. military and intelligence operations in the region, including the establishment of a small air base aimed at monitoring terrorist activities.[4]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Policy History". bf.usembassy.gov. March 6, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  2. ^ a b "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Burkina Faso". history.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  3. ^ "U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso". diplomacy.state.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  4. ^ Whitlock, Craig (June 13, 2012). "U.S. expands secret intelligence operations in Africa". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 6, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.