Burkina Faso’s military government says it has thwarted a major coup attempt targeting junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore.
In a televised statement on Monday, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed that a network of active and retired soldiers had conspired with terrorist groups to launch an attack on the presidential palace.
According to Sana, the planned assault was reportedly scheduled for April 16. He said the group aimed to overthrow the government and install a new regime under the influence of an international organization.
Sana also claimed that the plotters sought to manipulate public opinion by using religious and traditional leaders to persuade military personnel to support the coup.
“The plotters were actively recruiting soldiers and passing strategic information to terrorist elements to stir unrest and rebellion,” Sana said.
Authorities believe the masterminds were operating from Ivory Coast, identifying two former army officers as key figures behind the operation. The Ivorian government has yet to respond to these allegations, according to the BBC.
This announcement comes after several military personnel, including two officers, were arrested last week for allegedly attempting to destabilize the regime, according to AFP sources.
Captain Traoré came to power in 2022 following a coup, amid widespread frustration over ongoing jihadist violence. Today, nearly 40% of the country remains outside government control due to insurgencies.
Despite moving away from France and seeking closer security ties with Russia, Burkina Faso continues to suffer frequent jihadist attacks.
The country, along with fellow military-led states, Mali and Niger, recently exited the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed a new alliance, citing common security threats and new political ideologies.
