Ouagadougou:Police Captain Youssouf Ou©draogo successfully defended his thesis at the Institute of Advanced International Studies in Ouagadougou, earning a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Diplomacy and International Relations. His work, titled "Humanitarian Diplomacy and the Quest for Sovereignty The Case of Burkina Faso from 2022 to 2025," received a grade of 16.5/20 and the distinction "Very Honorable."

According to Burkina Information Agency, the thesis explores how humanitarian diplomacy affects Burkina Faso sovereignty, focusing on decision-making autonomy and institutional capacity strengthening.

Ou©draogo employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings indicate Burkina Faso's legal sovereignty remains intact, although practically challenged by humanitarian needs and external resource dependence.

The study explains that humanitarian diplomacy shapes the decision-making landscape of Burkina Faso, influenced by external financial and logistical support. However, it suggests that this influence can bolster public capacities if aligned with national priorities and coordinated by the authorities.

Highlighting the nuanced relationship between aid and sovereignty, Ou©draogo asserts that international humanitarian presence does not inherently undermine state authority. The real challenge lies in the state's ability to set priorities, coordinate interventions, and assume control over crisis response mechanisms.

The thesis emphasizes the need for close coordination between public authorities and humanitarian partners. National ownership and local actor involvement can transform aid into a tool for capacity building. Recommendations include enhancing state leadership in humanitarian management, improving institutional capacities, and aligning partner interventions with public policies.

Ultimately, Ou©draogo argues for a balanced approach where international cooperation aids Burkina Faso in guiding, coordinating, and internalizing crisis response capabilities. His research concludes that humanitarian diplomacy can either foster interdependence or reinforce public action, contingent on how it is organized and nationally owned.