Failed Coup Plot: Active, Retired Soldiers Allegedly Working in Coordination With Terrorist Groups to Attack Traore - Burkina Faso Security Minister
Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, has alleged that some active and retired soldiers in the state, allegedly working in coordination with terrorist groups, had conspired to storm the presidential palace, adding that the state military led government has successfully thwarted the plans.
OTN News further reports that the minister who disclosed this in a television interview, claimed that the coup plot was targeted at the Junta leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Sana, who stated that the group, reportedly planned to execute the attack last week, claimed that the objective was to plunge the country into chaos and install a regime under the control of an international organisation.
Sana stressed that the group also attempted to manipulate public sentiment by using religious and traditional leaders to sway military officers into supporting the coup.
“The plotters had set their sights on 16 April for a direct assault on the presidency. They had been recruiting soldiers and passing strategic information to terrorist elements to fuel unrest and incite rebellion”, he said.
Subsequently, he alleged that the masterminds of the plan were operating from Ivory Coast, identifying two former army officers believed to be behind the operation.
Meanwhile, OTN News observes that the Ivorian authorities have not responded to the accusations.
OTN News observes that the announcement follows last week’s arrest of several military personnel, including two officers, suspected of plotting to destabilise the regime, security sources told AFP.
OTN News further observes that this is not the first time Traoré’s administration has reported attempted coups.
OTN News recall that Traoré seized power in 2022, amid growing frustration over rampant jihadist violence. Nearly 40% of Burkina Faso remains outside government control due to insurgent activities.
However, despite shifting alliances away from France and towards Russia in search of more effective security cooperation, attacks by jihadist groups continue to claim lives regularly.
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