Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, made a shocking revelation on national television Monday night. He accused individuals residing in Côte d’Ivoire of orchestrating a plot to destabilize the country. The elaborate three-phased plan involved both Burkinabé civilians and military personnel living abroad. They allegedly sought to target critical national institutions, including the presidential palace, a military drone base, and an airport.
“Individuals residing in Côte d’Ivoire have been involved in subversive activities against Burkina,” said Minister Sana during his televised address. He went on to identify 14 key figures, including prominent junta opponents, two former ministers, the leader of the January 2022 coup, and two journalists. Western intelligence officials, as yet unidentified, were also allegedly involved in the conspiracy.
A Detailed Plot
Authorities believe the plotters recruited and trained armed groups to carry out the attacks. According to Sana, the plan began with a jihadist assault in central Burkina Faso last month, in which at least 100 people were killed. This attack, according to the minister, was part of the first phase of the destabilization attempt.
The second phase, which was successfully thwarted, included high-profile attacks on the presidential palace, a military drone base, and one of the country’s airports. The final phase of the plan was to involve cross-border attacks near the Ivory Coast border, a region already fraught with instability.
While the attacks were prevented, Sana emphasized that the plot was extensive, involving economic operators and leaders of civil society as well. The minister did not provide further details on the exact role these actors played but highlighted the broader reach of the conspiracy.
Arrests and Ongoing Crackdown
Several of the alleged conspirators have already been apprehended. Minister Sana confirmed that authorities in neighboring Niger made key arrests that helped to dismantle the plot. “A significant portion of the destabilization effort has been neutralized,” the minister stated, adding that Burkina Faso has launched a special anti-terrorist operation aimed at eliminating any remaining threats.
The government has issued strong warnings, promising that such destabilizing actions will no longer be tolerated. Sana urged families of the alleged plotters to denounce their relatives’ actions and distance themselves from “subversive activities.”
A Country Under Siege
Burkina Faso, already grappling with ongoing jihadist violence, faces a multifaceted threat. Since a military coup in January 2022, the West African nation has experienced political turbulence, which some analysts fear has left it vulnerable to both internal dissent and external interference.
Minister Sana’s accusations could heighten tensions with Côte d’Ivoire, where many Burkinabé nationals reside. Both countries are part of a larger regional struggle against violent extremist groups, and a diplomatic strain could further complicate security efforts.
