Burkina Faso’s military government has announced the foiling of a significant coup plot allegedly aimed at toppling junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana disclosed that the plan, which was to be executed on 16 April 2025, involved current and former soldiers collaborating with terrorist leaders and using religious and traditional figures to influence the army. The attackers intended to storm the presidential palace and plunge the country into chaos, with the ultimate goal of placing Burkina Faso under international supervision.
The plot was reportedly coordinated from neighboring Ivory Coast, with two former army officers named as key masterminds. According to the government, sensitive military information was leaked to insurgents to escalate attacks and provoke public dissent. Several individuals, including two military officers, have been arrested in connection with the plan. Ivory Coast has yet to respond to the accusations, although Burkina Faso’s leadership has previously accused it of harboring political opponents in exile.
This is the latest in a series of alleged coup attempts against Capt Traoré, who came to power in 2022 amid rising jihadist violence. Burkina Faso continues to grapple with severe insecurity, with about 40% of its territory controlled by militant groups. Despite aligning with Russia and severing ties with France and the West African bloc ECOWAS, the junta has struggled to stabilize the nation. Alongside Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso is pursuing a new regional alliance, distancing itself from traditional Western influence.
