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FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
By: Zagazola Makama
The government of Burkina Faso has announced the foiling of an attempted coup allegedly involving President Ibrahim Traoré’s Chief of Staff and a network of foreign and local actors, in what authorities describe as a sophisticated plot to assassinate the junta leader and destabilize the Sahel nation.
The accused high-ranking official, whose name has not been officially disclosed, was arrested after reportedly confessing to accepting a bribe of 25 billion CFA francs (approx. $41 million USD) and an arms shipment allegedly facilitated through Côte d’Ivoire with French involvement.
The plot, uncovered through a military-led internal investigation, was said to be in the advanced planning stages. The confession reportedly links foreign powers to the destabilization attempt, with security sources accusing France Burkina Faso’s former colonial ruler of channeling weapons through Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara’s network. The French and Ivorian governments have not responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
“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.”
The revelation has triggered increased security in Ouagadougou and its environs, with checkpoints erected across key routes and military deployments strengthened at sensitive installations. The government says nine individuals, including foreign nationals, have so far been arrested in connection to the attempted coup.
Since assuming power in 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré has charted a new course in Burkina Faso’s foreign relations, distancing from Western powers particularly France and deepening strategic and military ties with Russia and fellow juntas in Mali and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
This realignment has heightened tensions in West Africa, with regional power blocs increasingly split between pro-Western governments and military-led regimes advocating self-determination and reduced foreign interference. Security experts suggest that Traoré’s pivot and strong anti-colonial rhetoric may have provoked foreign interests seeking to retain influence in the mineral-rich nation.
However, Zagazola could not independently verify the claims of external funding or logistical support to the coup plotters.
Burkina Faso has faced growing insecurity with large portions of its territory under the control of jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Multiple coups, the most recent in 2022, have reflected the country’s fragile political climate and rising frustration over government inaction. Traoré’s administration has pursued aggressive counter-insurgency campaigns and citizen mobilization, gaining popularity among some segments of the population but also drawing criticism for limited democratic oversight.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
No fewer than nine persons were injured on Monday following a clash between farmers and herders in Loko community, Nasarawa State.
Zagazola report that the incident occurred at about noon on Dec. 15 in Bakono village, Loko area, after a dispute over alleged damage to farmland.
The source said the farmland involved belonged to one Bako Usman.
According to the source, the clash resulted in injuries to five farmers and four herders.
Security forces stormed the scene to restore order, while the injured persons were rushed to the General Hospital, Loko, where they were admitted and are responding to treatment.
Sources said that a stakeholders’ meeting had been convened in the community to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
According to the sources, confidence-building patrols are ongoing, the situation is being closely monitored and the area remains relatively calm.
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
A soldier has been killed, while two others are missing following an attack on troops escorting farmers in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Monday during a security operation in a bush area of Takum, which has been prone to clashes involving militia elements.
The source said soldiers from a special forces unit along with police, NSCDC were deployed to provide security for Tiv farmers harvesting their farm produce when they were attacked by hoodlums suspected to be local militia in Taraba state.
According to the source, one soldiers was killed during the attack.
The source further disclosed that following the incident, soldiers cordoned off the venue of the Miyetti Allah executives’ election at the FGR Samsokwa Hall, in Takum, and arrested male executives of the association present at the venue. Though it was yet to establish if they were involved in the attack.
Another sources pointed accusing finger at the Taraba state special adviser on security allegedly to be behind the Militia. Though, Zagazola cannot independently verify the claim.
Meanwhile, security forces have arrested a group of suspected armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The suspects were caught with AK-47 rifles during an operation carried out on Friday.
After their arrest, the suspects were taken into custody. In a video that later surfaced online, the men were seen lying face down with their hands tied while security operatives questioned them about where they got the weapons.
One of the suspects alleged that some officials of the Kwara State government gave them both the vehicle and the rifles. He claimed they had been operating in the area under the cover of patrol duties.
According to him, the weapons did not belong to them personally. He said their leader collected the rifles and that they often went on patrol together with some individuals he mentioned by name. He insisted that the guns belonged to those officials.
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted five workers at a construction site along the Sabaja/Owa-Onire Road in Kwara State.
Zagazola report that the incident was reported at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday by Alhaji Suleiman Abdullah Olanrewaju, manager of Fix Contracting Engineering Company.
The source said Olanrewaju reported that the abduction occurred earlier in the day at about 11:40 a.m. while the workers were on site when the gunmen attacked and whisked them away.
Those abducted were identified as Engr. Ademola Afolabi, Engr. Umar Lade, Fatai and Akin, both labourers, as well as a driver identified as Yusuf.
According to the source, the complainant said he had earlier reported the incident to the military before notifying the police.
Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke mobilised a team of police operatives who linked up with the military and local vigilantes to comb the surrounding bushes in a bid to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing, while security agencies said further developments would be communicated.
End
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
Nine injured in farmers–herders clash in Nasarawa
Soldier killed as troops clash with suspected militia in Taraba
Gunmen abduct five workers at construction site in Kwara
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