Burkina Faso Thwarts Major Coup Attempt

Burkina Faso’s military authorities have announced the foiling of a “major plot” to overthrow interim President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, revealing deepening political tensions and persistent threats to stability in the Sahel region.

Speaking on state television on Monday, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana disclosed that the plot, allegedly orchestrated by current and former Burkinabe soldiers in collaboration with terrorist groups, was coordinated from neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire. The conspirators reportedly aimed to attack the presidential palace on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, in a bid to destabilise the nation and place it under the tutelage of an international organisation.

“The meticulous work of our intelligence services uncovered a major plot whose ultimate goal was to sow total chaos,” said Minister Sana. He revealed that religious and traditional leaders had been targeted to persuade military officers to support the coup.

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According to Sana, the masterminds included two former army officers—Major Joanny Compaoré and Lieutenant Abdramane Barry—who are believed to be operating from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s economic hub. Sensitive military information was allegedly leaked to terrorist groups to increase attacks against both civilians and security forces, thus fomenting unrest.

Growing Strain Between Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire

The Burkinabe authorities’ accusation against Côte d’Ivoire adds to a growing list of grievances. Ouagadougou has previously claimed that political dissidents and exiled military personnel plotting against the government have found sanctuary in its southern neighbour. Abidjan has yet to respond officially to the latest allegations.

Relations between the two West African nations further deteriorated after Côte d’Ivoire supported ECOWAS’s stance on intervening in Niger following its 2023 coup, a move Burkina Faso, alongside Mali and Niger, vehemently opposed. These tensions culminated in the formal withdrawal of the three nations from ECOWAS and the establishment of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) earlier this year—a regional bloc aimed at bolstering their sovereignty and security.

Persistent Threats and Rising Insecurity

Burkina Faso continues to grapple with a severe jihadist insurgency, with armed groups affiliated to al-Qaeda and Islamic State controlling approximately 40% of the country’s territory. The 2024 Global Terrorism Index ranked Burkina Faso first globally for terrorism-related deaths, surpassing Afghanistan and Iraq for the first time in 13 years.

Despite Captain Traoré’s promises to restore stability and his government’s pivot towards Russia for military support, insecurity remains rampant. The military government has also faced criticism for its heavy-handed approach to dissent, including allegations of kidnappings and extrajudicial detentions of suspected opponents.

The latest foiled coup is one of several alleged destabilisation attempts since Captain Traoré seized power in a 2022 coup amid a wave of militant attacks.

A Call for Vigilance

Minister Sana urged the armed forces to maintain their vigilance and called on the Burkinabe people to remain calm, report any suspicious activities, and support efforts to safeguard national sovereignty.

Captain Traoré echoed this sentiment, warning that “stateless enemies of the nation are active” but affirming that the government would respond “mercilessly” to any threats against the stability of Burkina Faso.

As Burkina Faso navigates its complex security challenges and evolving regional alliances, the resilience of its people and leadership remains crucial in preserving its sovereignty and charting a new course for the future.