Burkina Faso’s failed coup : ‘How Traoré narrowly escaped assassination’

Authorities in Burkina Faso have revealed they successfully foiled an alleged coup attempt aimed at toppling the country’s military government and assassinating President Ibrahim Traoré.

The failed plot, which officials say involved both domestic and foreign actors, has raised serious concerns over external interference in the country’s political stability, security analyst, Zagozola Makama reported on Saturday.

At the center of the conspiracy is President Traoré’s Chief of Staff, who was reportedly detained following an internal probe led by the military.

Though the individual’s identity has not been publicly released, sources claim he admitted to accepting a bribe totaling 25 billion CFA francs—roughly $41 million—and to facilitating arms shipments purportedly originating in Côte d’Ivoire with alleged French backing.

Investigators say the plan had reached an advanced stage before being exposed. The confession allegedly connects the operation to foreign interests, with French involvement suspected.

“This is a grave betrayal of national sovereignty,” the Ministry of Security said in a statement. “The Burkinabé people remain resolute and united behind President Ibrahim Traoré, whose leadership continues to command overwhelming support in our fight against insecurity and external manipulation.”

Following the disclosure, security measures have been intensified in Ouagadougou and surrounding areas. Authorities have erected new checkpoints and reinforced military presence at critical sites. So far, nine people—including foreign nationals—have been detained in connection with the case.

President Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, has shifted Burkina Faso’s diplomatic orientation, distancing the country from traditional Western allies like France and strengthening partnerships with Russia as well as the ruling juntas of Mali and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

This foreign policy shift has contributed to mounting tensions in the region, where alliances are increasingly polarized between Western-aligned governments and military regimes calling for greater autonomy and less foreign intervention. Analysts say Traoré’s anti-colonial rhetoric and rejection of French influence may have unsettled international actors with interests in the region’s rich natural resources.

Zagazola was unable to independently confirm whether the alleged funding or logistical support for the coup originated from foreign sources.

Burkina Faso remains deeply embroiled in a worsening security crisis, with significant areas under the control of Islamist insurgents affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. A string of coups—including Traoré’s own rise to power—have highlighted the country’s volatile political environment and citizen discontent. Traoré’s government has launched vigorous anti-terror operations and community mobilization campaigns, earning support from parts of the population while also facing scrutiny over its democratic credentials.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region.