Burkina Faso Junta Claims Foiled Destabilization Plot Involving Foreign Powers

Burkina Faso's ruling junta foiled an attempted destabilization plot allegedly involving foreign powers. The transitional government, in power since 2022, blames civilians and servicemen abroad for planning attacks. The junta had aimed for elections in July but extended its term by five years due to security concerns.

Burkina Faso's ruling junta announced it had thwarted an attempt to destabilize the country, allegedly with foreign assistance. The African nation has been under a transitional government since a 2022 military coup, which took advantage of widespread dissatisfaction with the previous administration's handling of security issues.

Extremist attacks from groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State have ravaged Burkina Faso, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing over 2 million people. The ongoing violence has also pushed tens of thousands to the brink of starvation.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed on national television that the plot involved individuals residing in Ivory Coast who coordinated with Burkina Faso civilians and military personnel abroad. They allegedly orchestrated a three-phase plan, with the first involving a jihadist attack that killed around 100 people last month. The subsequent phases were to target key locations, but were thwarted. Sana named junta opponents among the conspirators, though he provided no verifiable evidence.

(With inputs from agencies.)