Burkina Faso’s military government announced it has successfully foiled a “major coup plot” aimed at ousting junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, okay.ng reports.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed in a televised address that both active and retired soldiers, allegedly working with terrorist groups, had conspired to storm the presidential palace.
According to Sana, the attack was scheduled for April 16, with the goal of plunging the country into chaos and establishing a regime controlled by an international organization. The plotters reportedly attempted to sway military officers by enlisting religious and traditional leaders.
Sana identified two ex-army officers believed to be orchestrating the plan from neighboring Ivory Coast. Ivorian authorities have yet to comment on these allegations. Several military personnel, including two officers, were arrested last week in connection with the plot.
Captain Traoré, who took power in 2022 amid widespread jihadist violence, has faced multiple coup attempts. Despite shifting alliances from France to Russia, Burkina Faso continues to grapple with regular insurgent attacks, with about 40% of its territory outside government control. The country, along with Mali and Niger, recently exited ECOWAS to form a new coalition of military-led governments, citing shared security challenges.
