Burkina Faso thwarts alleged plot to destabilize the state

Authorities in Burkina Faso have reportedly foiled another attempt to destabilize the country’s transitional government.

In a televised address on Monday, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana detailed what he described as a “subversive plot” involving foreign actors and key figures both inside and outside the country.

The alleged conspiracy, according to Sana, involved individuals based in Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria, with meetings aimed at orchestrating chaos and violence to undermine Burkina Faso’s stability.

Foreign Links and Western Involvement Alleged

“The Burkinabé public and the international community are hereby informed that individuals residing in Ivory Coast have been involved in a subversive campaign against our country,” said Minister Sana.

He went on to implicate Western intelligence agencies in supporting these efforts.

“These agents of chaos, backed by certain Western powers, include civilians, military personnel, and former soldiers who have left Burkina Faso to engage in propaganda and destabilization efforts,” Sana claimed.

Ivory Coast was specifically mentioned in connection with the alleged conspiracy. Ghana was also cited, with the minister revealing that planning meetings were held in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, at the Giddi Lodge hotel in the Achimota district.

Additional gatherings were reportedly held in the northern city of Tamale, with a further meeting planned in Nigeria on September 27, 2024.

Detailed Plot Unveiled

Sana outlined what he described as the first phase of the plan: an attack on Barsalogho aimed at causing mass civilian casualties to incite fear and chaos across the country.

“The goal was to massacre as many civilians as possible, spreading panic and creating an environment of uncertainty,” he explained.

This would then pave the way for a larger assault.

The next step was allegedly to involve a group of 150 terrorists targeting the presidential palace in Koulouba.

According to Sana, these attackers were set to come from the Centre-East region, moving through Sapouy en route to the capital, Ouagadougou. The operation was originally scheduled for August 29, 2024.

A second group reportedly had orders to disable the country’s military drone base, effectively neutralizing any defensive response.

Meanwhile, a third group, based in Ivory Coast, was tasked with launching attacks in the southern Mangodara region to disperse Burkina Faso’s combat forces.

Additional units were said to be planning assaults on the airport to prevent external reinforcements from arriving.

Sana also promised that recordings of intercepted communications from the alleged plotters would be released soon, further validating the government’s claims.

High-Profile Figures Implicated

Numerous prominent individuals have been implicated in the alleged plot, including both civilians and military personnel.

Among them are Ahmed Kinda, a former special forces commander accused of leading the operation, and Aziz Diallo, a former mayor and member of parliament.

Other notable names include ex-ministers Djibrill Bassolé and Alpha Barry, as well as former CENI president Newton Ahmed Barry.

The most high-profile figure named in the plot is Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the former leader ousted by current President Ibrahim Traoré.

Sana issued a stern warning to the families and associates of those implicated, urging them to report any subversive activities and dissociate from those involved.

This revelation underscores the tense political climate in Burkina Faso, as the transitional government seeks to secure stability amidst ongoing threats of disruption.

The coming days could prove critical as the authorities prepare for further action against those involved in the alleged conspiracy.