Burkina Faso foiled an attempt to destabilize the country – Security minister

Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced on national television Monday that authorities have successfully thwarted a significant attempt to destabilize the country. He revealed that certain individuals residing in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire were allegedly involved in orchestrating subversive activities aimed at undermining Burkina Faso’s stability.

In his address, Minister Sana specifically identified 14 individuals believed to be at the center of the conspiracy. Among them were prominent figures, including opponents of the ruling junta, the leader of the January 2022 coup, two former government ministers, and two journalists. Additionally, the plot allegedly included unidentified Western intelligence officials, raising concerns about foreign involvement in domestic affairs.

The minister outlined a detailed, multi-phase scheme reportedly devised by Burkinabé civilians and military personnel living abroad. These individuals allegedly financed and trained armed groups to carry out violent attacks within Burkina Faso. The plan was described as elaborate and meticulously structured, with various phases targeting key government and military sites.

Sana elaborated on the stages of the plot, indicating that the first phase had already manifested in a jihadi attack that resulted in the deaths of at least 100 people in central Burkina Faso last month. This brutal incident served as a precursor to the subsequent phases of the conspiracy, which were designed to escalate the violence and create widespread chaos.

The second phase was reportedly aimed at strategic targets, including the presidential palace, a military drone base, and an airport. The final phase of the plan was designed to involve assaults near the border with Côte d’Ivoire. Fortunately, the minister asserted that these planned attacks were successfully intercepted and prevented by security forces.

In a critical development, Minister Sana revealed that several arrests had been made in neighboring Niger, contributing to the dismantling of a significant portion of the destabilization plot. The cooperative efforts between the two nations’ security forces appear to have played a pivotal role in thwarting the conspiracy.

In response to the threat, the Burkinabé government has initiated a special anti-terrorist operation aimed at neutralizing any remaining threats and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The government has made it clear that such destabilizing activities will no longer be tolerated, indicating a firm stance against internal and external threats to national security.

Authorities have also reached out to the families of the alleged conspirators, urging them to report any involvement in these subversive activities. The call for public assistance highlights the government’s desire to foster a community-wide effort in safeguarding national stability.

As Burkina Faso grapples with ongoing security challenges, particularly from jihadist groups, the revelation of this foiled plot underscores the complexities of maintaining order in the region. The government’s proactive measures, including the recent arrests and anti-terrorism operations, demonstrate a commitment to combating threats and reinforcing stability in the face of adversity.

The situation in Burkina Faso remains fluid, with authorities on high alert for any further attempts to undermine the government. The international community is closely watching the developments, particularly given the allegations of foreign involvement in the country’s internal affairs. As tensions persist, the Burkinabé government’s ability to manage both internal dissent and external influences will be crucial in determining the nation’s future stability.

In conclusion, Minister Mahamadou Sana’s announcement serves as a reminder of the fragile security landscape in Burkina Faso and the ongoing threats posed by various groups both within and outside its borders. As the government takes decisive action against these destabilizing efforts, the resilience of the Burkinabé people will be tested in their pursuit of peace and security in a challenging environment.