BUKINA Faso’s military government has announced that it foiled a “major plot” to overthrow junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
The junta alleged that the conspirators were operating from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
In a televised address on Monday, April 21, Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, revealed that both active and retired soldiers had allegedly conspired with terrorist groups to launch an attack last week on the presidential palace.
“The manoeuvre was to culminate, according to the terrorist plotters’ plan, on Wednesday 16 April, 2025, in an assault on the presidency of (Burkina) Faso by a group of soldiers recruited by the nation’s enemies,” he said.
Sana added that “sensitive information” was leaked to terrorists to escalate attacks on both the military and civilians, to spark a revolt against the authorities.
He alleged that the plot aimed to destabilise the country and establish a regime controlled by an international organisation. He added that the group tried to influence public opinion by enlisting religious and traditional leaders to persuade military officers to back the coup.
He further alleged that the masterminds of the plan were operating from Ivory Coast, identifying two former army officers believed to be behind the operation. So far, Ivorian authorities have yet to respond to the accusations.
The ICIR reports that this is the latest in a series of alleged attempts to remove the junta leader, who took power in 2022 amid a surge in militant attacks.
Security sources told the AFP news agency that several military personnel, including two officers, were arrested last week for allegedly plotting to “destabilise” the government.
The ICIR further reports that Traoré seized power in 2022 amid rising public frustration over widespread jihadist violence, as approximately 40 per cent of Burkina Faso was outside government control due to insurgent activities.
Although Burkina Faso has cut off its alliance with France and strengthened ties with Russia in hopes of improving security, jihadist attacks persist.
While Ivorian authorities have yet to respond to allegations that they hosted the putschists, the Burkinabe junta has frequently accused its southern neighbour of supporting exiled opponents.
The ICIR reported that Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, announced their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January 2024 and accused the regional body of failing to safeguard member states and aligning too closely with foreign powers.
They also created a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States and strengthened alliances with Russia, Turkey, and Iran to address internal security threats such as jihadists and armed gangs, as well as external pressures.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues.