Burkina Faso’s Law No. 042-2008/AN of 23 October 2008 adopts both the 1951 Convention definition and the broader 1969 OAU Refugee Convention definition:

Article 3(1) reflects the 1951 Refugee Convention by recognizing as refugees individuals who are outside of their country of nationality or habitual residence, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, nationality, religion, membership of a particular social group or political opinion​.

Article 3(2) incorporates the 1969 OAU definition, extending refugee status to those leaving their country of origin due to aggression, external occupation, foreign domination, or events seriously disturbing public order​.