Government alleges collaboration between ex-soldiers and jihadist groups in destabilisation attempt
Burkina Faso’s military government says it has thwarted what it calls a “major plot” to overthrow junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, alleging the involvement of actors based in neighbouring Ivory Coast and links to terrorist networks.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the development on state television on Monday, stating that the attempt was orchestrated by current and former members of the armed forces with connections to jihadist leaders. The alleged plan, according to Sana, aimed to seize control of the presidential palace in a coordinated military assault last week.
“Plan to Sow Chaos”
Speaking during the televised address, Sana said, “The objective of the plotters was to sow total chaos, and place the country under the supervision of an international organisation.” He added that the operation was set to culminate on April 16 with an attack on the presidency by soldiers recruited for the task.
According to Sana, traditional and religious leaders were approached by the plotters in an attempt to persuade senior officers to support the effort. The minister also claimed that sensitive military information had been leaked to insurgent groups to encourage attacks and incite unrest.
External Actors Accused
In a direct accusation, Sana stated, “The brains outside the country are all located in Ivory Coast.” He named two former Burkinabe military officers believed to be behind the plan. No official response has yet been issued by the Ivorian government regarding the allegations.
This is not the first time Burkina Faso has accused its southern neighbour of hosting opposition elements. The junta has previously suggested that dissidents in exile receive support from abroad.
Arrests and Precedents
Several individuals, including two officers, were detained last week in connection with the plot, according to security sources quoted by AFP. The authorities have not publicly identified those arrested.
The latest claim follows a similar announcement last November, when the government said it had foiled a separate plan to destabilise the administration.
Captain Traoré assumed power in a 2022 coup amid rising jihadist violence across the country. Since then, Burkina Faso has withdrawn from the regional bloc ECOWAS alongside Mali and Niger, forming a new alliance of military-led governments. The country has also severed ties with France and increased cooperation with Russia.
Continuing Insecurity
Despite repeated pledges to improve security, large portions of Burkina Faso remain under the control of armed groups. An estimated 40% of the territory is inaccessible to state authorities, with frequent insurgent attacks continuing across the country.
The region, which includes parts of Mali and Niger, now experiences more deaths from terrorist violence than any other part of the world, according to international monitoring groups.
Burkina Faso’s military leadership has consistently framed internal dissent and external criticism as part of broader efforts to undermine its authority. The latest alleged coup attempt underscores the fragility of the current regime amid ongoing conflict and shifting geopolitical alliances.
