Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta announced that it has thwarted an effort to destabilize the nation “with assistance from foreign entities.”
Since seizing power in 2022, the transitional government has been in charge of the West African country, responding to widespread public dissatisfaction with prior democratically elected administrations over security failures.
Increasing attacks by extremists affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State have ravaged Burkina Faso, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing over 2 million people, with many more facing the threat of starvation.
The junta initially aimed to hold elections in July to restore democratic governance but extended its transitional period by five years four months ago.
On Monday night, Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated on national television that “individuals residing in Ivory Coast have engaged in subversive actions against our nation.”
Sana detailed an intricate three-phase plot allegedly orchestrated by some civilians and military personnel from Burkina Faso living abroad, who funded and trained armed groups to carry out attacks.
According to him, the first phase involved a militant assault that resulted in at least 100 deaths in central Burkina Faso last month.
The second phase included planned attacks on the presidential palace, a military drone facility, and an airport, while the final phase targeted areas near the Ivory Coast border.
Sana asserted that the latter two phases were successfully thwarted.
However, he did not provide any evidence to support his allegations, which could not be independently verified.
The minister accused various opponents of the junta—including the leader of the January 2022 coup, two former government ministers, two journalists, and Western intelligence agencies—of conspiring to destabilize the country.
When the military junta assumed power, it promised disillusioned citizens greater security. Nevertheless, it has faced significant challenges in addressing Burkina Faso’s security issues and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
