Ouagadougou, April 22, 2025 - Burkina Faso’s military government announced on Monday evening that it successfully thwarted a coup attempt aimed at destabilizing the West African nation. The alleged plot, which was set to culminate in an assault on the presidency on April 16, was reportedly orchestrated by dissident soldiers with backing from figures based in neighboring Ivory Coast.
Details of the Alleged Coup Plot
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed in a televised statement that the country’s intelligence services uncovered a "major plot" designed to "sow total chaos" in Burkina Faso. According to Sana, the conspirators planned to execute the coup through a group of soldiers recruited by what he described as the nation’s enemies.
He specifically named two former army officers, Major Joanny Compaore and Lieutenant Abdramane Barry, as key masterminds behind the plot. Additionally, a dozen other military personnel, including Commander Ouedraogo Frederic, have been questioned in connection with the alleged conspiracy.
"The brains outside the country are all located in Ivory Coast," Sana emphasized, echoing previous accusations by Interim President Captain Ibrahim Traore that Ivory Coast harbors opponents of his regime.
Context: Political Instability and Repression
Captain Ibrahim Traore, who himself seized power in a 2022 coup, has led a junta marked by increasing repression of dissent. Since taking control in September 2022, his government has cracked down on perceived threats through kidnappings, extrajudicial arrests, and widespread questioning of military officers accused of plotting against the regime.
Last week, security sources confirmed the arrest of a dozen military personnel, including two officers, accused of attempting to "destabilize" the government. Over the past year, dozens of officers have been interrogated under similar accusations of undermining Burkina Faso’s republican institutions.
Traore has repeatedly pointed to Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s largest city, as a hub for anti-government operations. In July 2024, he declared that a "center of operations to destabilize" Burkina Faso was based there.
Ongoing Security Challenges
Burkina Faso continues to face severe security challenges beyond political instability. Since 2015, the country has been plagued by jihadist violence linked to groups affiliated with the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. This violence has displaced over two million people and resulted in thousands of deaths, further complicating the junta’s efforts to maintain control and stability.
Looking Ahead
The junta’s announcement highlights the fragile nature of Burkina Faso’s current political landscape, where internal dissent and external accusations fuel ongoing tensions. The government’s firm stance against alleged coup plotters underscores its determination to maintain power amid a backdrop of regional instability and violent extremism.
As investigations continue, regional and international observers will be closely monitoring developments in Burkina Faso, a country at the crossroads of security, governance, and humanitarian crises.
