Burkina Faso Claims Foiled Coup Backed by Exiled Officers in Ivory Coast
Burkina Faso’s military government says it thwarted a major coup plot aimed at ousting junta leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré. The alleged plan, led by current and former soldiers with ties to terrorist groups, reportedly sought to attack the presidential palace on April 16, 2025, and trigger chaos with the goal of placing the country under international supervision.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana claimed the masterminds operated from Ivory Coast and used religious and traditional leaders to influence the army. Several military personnel have been arrested, and authorities say sensitive information was passed to insurgents to increase attacks and provoke unrest.
This is the latest in a series of alleged coup attempts since Traoré seized power in 2022. Despite security promises and new partnerships with Russia, Burkina Faso continues to struggle with jihadist violence, which affects about 40% of the country. The junta also maintains tense relations with Ivory Coast and recently exited the West African bloc ECOWAS to form a new alliance with Mali and Niger.
