Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the disruption of a coup plot, alleged to involve current and former soldiers, and linked to external "terrorist leaders," who aimed to destabilize the junta and seize control of the presidential palace.
Burkina Faso Military Claims to Have Thwarted Major Coup Conspiracy
Burkina Faso Military Claims to Have Thwarted Major Coup Conspiracy
Recent revelations from Burkina Faso's military government detail a foiled coup attempt aimed at the junta, allegedly backed by Ivorian operatives.
Burkina Faso's military leadership disclosed on Monday that they successfully thwarted a significant coup attempt designed to overthrow the current junta leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré. According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, the conspiracy was orchestrated by both active and retired military personnel collaborating with what he described as "terrorist leaders" based in neighboring Ivory Coast.
During a televised address, Sana detailed the plot, which aimed to launch an assault on the presidential palace last week, asserting that the intention was to create "total chaos" and place Burkina Faso under international control. This revelation surfaces amid ongoing challenges the region faces from armed jihadist factions, with about 40% of the nation allegedly under such groups’ control.
The military government, which has been in power since Traoré's takeover in 2022 amidst increasing militant violence, claimed that the plotters aimed to manipulate local religious and traditional leaders to gain support from army officers. The coup was reportedly scheduled for April 16, 2025, with insurgents hoping to employ a contingent of soldiers recruited specifically by external adversaries.
Sana raised concerns about certain Ivorian individuals, notably two former military officers, believed to be masterminding the plot and passing vital data to insurgents to intensify attacks against both military and civilian targets. This plot's disclosure comes on the heels of arrests of military personnel, including two officers, found conspiring to undermine the government.
While the Ivorian government has yet to respond to these claims, Burkina Faso's junta frequently accuses its southern neighbor of harboring dissidents opposed to the regime. This latest allegation follows a similar claim made last November when the government asserted it had thwarted another destabilization attempt. Alongside Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso has moved away from the regional West African bloc, ECOWAS, opting to align closer with Russia and sever ties with France, the former colonial power.
