Burkina Faso Junta Claims to Foil Plot to Sow 'Total Chaos,' Blames Ivory Coast

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso's military junta announced Monday it had thwarted a "major plot in the making" aimed at destabilizing the country and sowing "total chaos." The junta alleges the plot was orchestrated by individuals based in neighboring Ivory Coast, further straining relations between the two West African nations.

The announcement, delivered by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana on national television, detailed what the government described as a meticulously planned operation intended to culminate in an assault on the presidency on April 16. According to Sana, the plan involved recruiting soldiers to attack the presidential palace in Ouagadougou.

The Burkinabe government has pointed fingers at two former army officers, Major Joanny Compaore and Lieutenant Abdramane Barry, as the alleged masterminds operating from Ivory Coast. In the wake of the announcement, a dozen military personnel, including two officers, were reportedly arrested last week on suspicion of involvement in the destabilization plot.

Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been grappling with escalating jihadist violence, with groups linked to the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda. Captain Ibrahim Traore, who leads the current junta, seized power in September 2022, promising to restore security. However, the security situation has remained precarious, and the government has faced criticism for silencing dissent and a rise in kidnappings and extrajudicial arrests.

Allegations Against Ivory Coast

The accusations against Ivory Coast are not new. Traore's government has repeatedly accused its neighbor of harboring opposition figures and serving as a base for destabilizing activities. Last year, Traore claimed that Ivory Coast was a "center of operations" for those seeking to undermine his government.

These accusations have further soured relations between the two countries, which were already strained. The Ivorian government has yet to respond directly to the latest allegations.

The Security Context

Burkina Faso is at the epicenter of a security crisis engulfing the Sahel region. Jihadist groups have expanded their reach, launching attacks and displacing communities. The government's struggle to contain these groups was a key factor in the military's decision to seize power in 2022.

The junta initially pledged to improve security, but the violence has persisted. Attacks by extremist groups continue to claim lives and displace populations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

In August 2024, a large-scale attack on the village of Barsalogho left at least 200 dead and 300 wounded. The junta claims this attack was the first act of force plotted by those behind the attempted coup. According to the government's account, the plan involved a group of 150 terrorists attacking the presidential palace, while another group targeted a drone base to neutralize any potential response.

Regional Implications

The alleged coup plot and the accusations against Ivory Coast highlight the complex regional dynamics at play in the Sahel. Burkina Faso, along with neighboring Mali and Niger, has been forging closer ties, including withdrawing from the regional bloc ECOWAS. These countries have also strengthened their relationships with Russia, seeking security assistance to combat the jihadist threat.

Under Traore's leadership, Burkina Faso has distanced itself from former colonial power France and other Western allies, opting instead for partnerships with Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Russian instructors are reportedly training and fighting alongside Burkinabe forces in an effort to counter extremism.

Concerns Over Governance

While the junta claims to be focused on restoring security, concerns are growing about its governance and human rights record. The government has been accused of silencing dissent, restricting media freedom, and carrying out arbitrary arrests.

In September 2024, Burkina Faso's junta arrested three journalists, drawing condemnation from rights groups. These actions raise concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in the country.

Uncertain Future

The announcement of the foiled coup plot adds another layer of uncertainty to Burkina Faso's already volatile situation. The accusations against Ivory Coast could further destabilize the region, while the ongoing security crisis and concerns about governance continue to pose significant challenges.

Whether the junta can effectively address the country's security challenges and restore stability remains to be seen. The path forward for Burkina Faso is fraught with risks, and the coming months will be critical in determining the country's future.