Burkina Faso’s military-led government has announced it thwarted a major coup attempt aimed at toppling junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore. The coup plot, which reportedly involved current and former soldiers working in coordination with terrorist groups, was uncovered last week but only publicly disclosed on Monday.
Speaking on state television, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana described the plan as a sophisticated effort to destabilize the country. According to Sana, the conspirators were based both inside Burkina Faso and in neighbouring Ivory Coast, which he accused of hosting key figures behind the operation.
The coup was scheduled to unfold on April 16, 2025, with plans to storm the presidential palace in Ouagadougou. Sana stated that the plotters had attempted to manipulate religious and traditional leaders to influence military officers and garner support for their cause.
“The aim was to sow total chaos and place the country under the supervision of an international organisation,” he said, accusing the plotters of passing sensitive information to terrorist networks to ramp up attacks and trigger a popular revolt.
Authorities have since arrested several military personnel, including two officers, in connection with the failed attempt. The junta alleges that two former army officers, believed to be operating from Ivory Coast, were masterminds behind the operation. The Ivorian government has yet to respond to these claims.
This marks the latest in a series of alleged plots against Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup amid surging militant violence. Despite pledges to restore security and new partnerships, including with Russia, the security situation remains dire. Currently, jihadist insurgents are estimated to control nearly 40% of the country.
The tension further highlights the deepening rift between Burkina Faso and its regional neighbors. Alongside Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso has exited the West African bloc ECOWAS to form a new military-led alliance.
As the junta tightens its grip, questions remain about the country’s future stability amid growing regional isolation and persistent insurgent threats.
