By Amadou Keita
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – The Burkina Faso military government has announced that it successfully thwarted a “major” coup plot aimed at overthrowing junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana made the announcement on state television Monday, alleging the plot was orchestrated by current and former soldiers working in collaboration with “terrorist leaders” and based in neighboring Ivory Coast.
According to Sana, the plotters intended to launch an attack on the presidential palace last week, aiming to “sow total chaos and place the country under the supervision of an international organization.” Details of the alleged plot have only recently been released.
This marks the latest in a series of claims by the junta regarding attempts to unseat Captain Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup amid growing insecurity in the country. Burkina Faso, like its Sahel neighbors, is grappling with a persistent threat from armed jihadist groups, with an estimated 40% of the country reportedly under their control. Despite promises by the military government to improve security, even exploring new security partnerships with Russia, the situation remains precarious, with frequent insurgent attacks.
Sana claimed the plotters attempted to manipulate Burkinabe religious and traditional leaders to sway army officers to support the coup. He stated the plan was to culminate on April 16, 2025, with an assault on the presidency by soldiers recruited by “the nation’s enemies.”
The Security Minister specifically implicated individuals based in Ivory Coast, naming two former army officers he believes are the masterminds behind the plot. He further alleged that “sensitive information was passed on to terrorists” to escalate attacks on the military and civilians and “incite a revolt against the authorities.”
Last week, security sources told AFP that several military personnel, including two officers, were arrested for allegedly planning to “destabilize” the government.
Ivorian authorities have yet to respond to the accusations. However, the Burkinabe junta has repeatedly accused its southern neighbor of harboring and supporting its opponents in exile.
This latest claim follows a similar announcement last November when Ouagadougou stated it had foiled another “destabilization” plot against the junta.
In recent months, Burkina Faso, along with fellow military-led states Mali and Niger, has distanced itself from the regional West African bloc, ECOWAS, and formed a new alliance. These countries have also severed ties with former colonial power France and have increasingly aligned themselves with Russia.
