Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta announced it has thwarted an attempt to destabilize the West African country “with the help of foreign powers,” according to a government statement Monday.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, speaking on national television, claimed that “persons residing in Ivory Coast have been involved in subversive activities against our country.” Sana outlined an alleged three-phase plot involving Burkina Faso civilians and servicemen living abroad who reportedly paid and trained armed groups to conduct attacks.
The minister accused junta opponents, including the leader of the January 2022 coup, two former government ministers, two journalists, and Western intelligence agencies of involvement in the alleged plot. Sana did not provide evidence for these claims, which could not be independently verified.
The military junta, which seized power in 2022 amid popular discontent over security issues, has been struggling to address Burkina Faso’s ongoing security and humanitarian crisis. Extremist attacks linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have killed thousands and displaced over 2 million people, pushing tens of thousands to the brink of starvation.
The transitional government had initially set a goal to hold elections in July to return the country to democratic rule. However, four months ago, it extended its transition term for five more years.
This announcement comes as the junta faces mounting pressure to address the country’s security challenges and fulfill its promises to provide greater safety for Burkina Faso’s citizens.
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