Burkina Faso Claims to Have Disrupted Major Coup Attempt

Burkina Faso's military leaders have revealed that they foiled a major coup attempt aimed at overthrowing Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The plot, allegedly involving both current and former soldiers, sought to incite chaos in the nation amid an ongoing battle with jihadist groups.

Burkina Faso's military government announced on Monday that it had successfully foiled a "major plot" intended to overthrow junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana disclosed that the suspected plotters were based in neighbouring Ivory Coast and identified both current and former soldiers as those involved, allegedly collaborating with "terrorist leaders".

During a televised address, Sana explained that the coup plan aimed for an assault on the presidential palace that occurred last week, stating the intention was to "sow total chaos, and place the country under the supervision of an international organization". This announcement adds to a series of claims of attempts to remove the ruling junta that has been in power since seizing control in 2022 amid an upsurge in militant violence.

Burkina Faso, alongside its Sahelian neighbours, is grappling with armed jihadist groups controlling an estimated 40% of the country. Despite promises from Traoré's administration to enhance security and pursue new partnerships, including with Russia, the nation continues to face persistent insurgent attacks.

Sana detailed how the scheme, which purportedly involved Burkinabe traditional and religious leaders, aimed to sway army officers into supporting the coup attempt. The plan was purportedly scheduled to culminate in an assault on the presidency on April 16, 2025, by a faction of soldiers backed by external enemies. The security minister also indicated that sensitive information was allegedly leaked to terrorists, with aims to escalate military and civilian assaults to incite rebellion against the government.

In the wake of the plot, several military personnel, including two officers, were arrested for their involvement in planning against the junta, as confirmed by security sources. While Ivorian officials have yet to respond to accusations that they sheltered the coup planners, Burkina Faso's junta has frequently accused its southern neighbour of backing exiled opponents.

The latest revelation comes just months after Burkina Faso announced the thwarting of another destabilization attempt last November. The military-led government has diverged from the West African bloc Ecowas to form a new regional alliance alongside Mali and Niger, simultaneously breaking ties with former colonial power France while seeking closer relations with Russia.