A coup attempt targeting Burkina Faso’s junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré was stopped before it could unfold, according to the country’s military leadership.
The government revealed the details of the plot on Monday, blaming both internal actors and alleged foreign involvement, specifically pointing to neighbouring Ivory Coast.
The incident reportedly took place last week but only came to light after an official statement by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana on state television. Authorities say the operation was led by a mix of active and former military members, some of whom were said to be cooperating with terrorist groups. Their plan involved an armed assault on the presidential palace in Ouagadougou.
The alleged plot aimed to create widespread disorder and push Burkina Faso under international control, the government claimed. Officials say the conspirators attempted to influence army officers by working through local religious and community figures to win support for the planned takeover.
Investigations indicate that the core organisers were operating from Ivory Coast, with two former army officers named as key figures. Authorities accuse them of passing sensitive military information to terrorist groups to escalate violence and undermine the government’s hold on power.
This latest event adds to a series of claimed coup attempts against Captain Traoré, who took control in 2022 during a time of growing militant attacks. Since then, Burkina Faso has continued to face violence from jihadist insurgents, who now control roughly 40 percent of the country’s territory.
Although the junta has sought new partnerships, notably with Russia, and moved away from traditional allies such as France, its promises to restore peace and security have yet to produce major improvements. Insurgent attacks remain a constant threat to both civilians and soldiers.
The government confirmed that several individuals, including two military officers, were arrested last week for allegedly plotting to overthrow the leadership. The role of Ivory Coast in the affair remains unclear, as its government has not yet responded to the accusations.
This incident also reflects the broader regional shift. Burkina Faso, along with Mali and Niger, has withdrawn from the West African bloc ECOWAS and formed a new alliance. All three countries are now led by military governments and have distanced themselves from Western influence, turning instead to new international partners.
For now, Burkina Faso’s ruling junta remains in power, but the repeated coup threats show that its grip may be under strain in a region struggling with security, political change, and growing outside pressure.