Burkina Faso’s military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore stated Thursday that he has evidence of a plot against his country orchestrated by France, with support from Benin and Ivory Coast.
He emphasized that while they hold nothing against the Ivorian people, the leadership in Ivory Coast is complicit in efforts to destabilize Burkina Faso.
Traore, speaking from Ouagadougou, claimed there is an operational center in Abidjan aimed at undermining his country.
He expressed concerns over the policies of Benin and Ivory Coast’s leaders, specifically highlighting French bases in Benin targeting Burkina Faso.
He stressed that there are two French bases in Benin, designed to destabilize Burkina Faso, and that they have concrete proof including tracks laid and soldiers equipped.
Traore accused France of failing in its anti-terrorism efforts and instead seeking to destabilize Burkina Faso after the military seized power.
Traore alleged having audio recordings of French agents in Benin collaborating with terrorist operations.
However, the French military denied these claims, stating their only permanent military presence in Benin is through defence attachés and cooperants.
The French military clarified they have five bases in Africa and occasionally deploy training detachments to Benin upon request.
Relations between Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and France are strained, with increasing anti-French sentiment and large demonstrations calling for France’s exit from these countries.
