Why it matters:
Since coming to power in a coup in 2022, Captain Ibrahim Traoré and his government have announced several attempts to overthrow him. This latest “plot”, according to Minister Sana, included a connection with terrorist groups, with the aim of “sowing total chaos” and “bringing the country under the control of an international organization”. He asserts that the project was supported from outside.
The big picture:
It all started with intercepted communications between one of the suspects and terrorist groups, concerning defense and security force positions and military operations.
Investigations and denunciations by soldiers and volunteers led to the identification of members of the network, including an officer of the military justice battalion who is currently on the run. The government indicates that the “final assault” was planned against the Presidency, simultaneously with terrorist attacks. Arrests have been made and others are being followed, he tells.
What they're saying:
According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, “sensitive information has been passed on to terrorists to step up attacks on fighting forces and civilians to stir up revolt against the authorities”.
He denounced manipulative actions and “perfidious stratagems developed to destroy the army and sow chaos”. “The brains outside the country are all located in Côte d'Ivoire”, he says, urging the population to remain ‘serene and vigilant’.
Hossein Amiri
