Burkina Faso Thwarts Major Coup Plot Targeting Junta Leader
- Burkina Faso’s government thwarted a major coup plot targeting Captain Ibrahim Traoré, involving active and retired soldiers allegedly collaborating with terrorist groups
- Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed plans to storm the presidential palace, incite rebellion, and establish a regime under the control of an international organisation
- Several arrests were made, highlighting the ongoing challenges Traoré’s administration faces amidst jihadist violence and political instability
Burkina Faso’s military-led government announced on April 22 that it had successfully thwarted a major coup plot targeting junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, the conspiracy involved active and retired soldiers allegedly collaborating with terrorist groups to storm the presidential palace.
Source: Twitter
The plot, reportedly set for April 16, aimed to destabilise the country, install a regime under the control of an international organisation, and incite rebellion by manipulating religious and traditional leaders to sway military officers.
Sana revealed that the masterminds of the operation were believed to be operating from Ivory Coast, though Ivorian authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.
Arrests and allegations amid rising tensions
According to PUNCH, the announcement followed the arrest of several military personnel, including two officers, suspected of involvement in the plot. Sana claimed that the conspirators had been recruiting soldiers and passing strategic information to terrorist elements to fuel unrest.
This is not the first time Captain Traoré’s administration has reported attempted coups. Traoré, who seized power in 2022 amid frustration over jihadist violence, continues to face challenges in maintaining control, with nearly 40% of Burkina Faso outside government authority due to insurgent activities.
Regional alliances and security challenges
In recent months, Burkina Faso has shifted alliances, moving away from France and towards Russia in search of more effective security cooperation.
Despite these efforts, jihadist attacks remain frequent, claiming lives and exacerbating instability.
Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, recently withdrew from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to form a new coalition of military-led governments, citing shared security challenges and ideological alignment.
Source: Getty Images
Government on collective suffrage
Speaking with Legit.ng, Aminu Rabiu, a political analyst with a degree in Political Science from Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto analysed the rise in military leadership in West Africa.
He said:
"Military junta are recently gaining traction in some countries in West African sub-region. However, this is due to a number of factors, both internal and external to the countries in which these juntas hold sway. First, military government is seen as corrective regime that came to correct the anomalies of the politicians in power. Second, they always promise to relinquish power after some time in government. Nevertheless, I think military rule is not good in the contemporary art of governance. Government should always be formed and run on the basis of universal suffrage."
About Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups, including the Mossi, Fulani, and Bobo. Formerly called Upper Volta, it gained independence from France in 1960 and was renamed Burkina Faso, meaning "Land of Honest People," in 1984.
The nation has faced significant challenges, including political instability, jihadist violence, and widespread poverty, with nearly 40% of its territory beyond government control due to insurgent activities.
Despite these difficulties, Burkina Faso boasts a rich tradition of music, art, and community, with its people displaying resilience and a deep commitment to unity.
Burkina Faso exit dangerous for ECOWAS
Legit.ng earlier reported that Most recently, the trio of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger indicated their interest in exiting the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
As a follow-up, Burkina Faso and Mali tabled an official letter to the regional body to make their intentions to exit ECOWAS legal.
Regarding this development, security specialist and public affairs analyst Dr Abubakar Sani said the exit would be a big blow for ECOWAS.
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Source: Legit.ng
