Once again, Burkinabe authorities have uncovered a destabilization attempt aimed at undermining the foundations of the state. In an official statement delivered by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, it was revealed that both active and former members of the armed forces were planning a coup against republican institutions—a serious development that brings back into focus the issue of stateless Burkinabe networks reportedly operating from Côte d’Ivoire, frequently criticized by Ouagadougou.
For several months now, Burkina Faso has been calling on its Ivorian neighbors to take action against these fugitives who, from their host country, continue to plot subversive activities in hopes of regaining power. Their goal: to plunge the country back into chaos. Even more concerning is the persistent silence from the Ivorian authorities in response to these repeated warnings. This silence raises legitimate questions and could be interpreted as complacency—or even tacit tolerance.
Côte d’Ivoire, as a sovereign state and regional partner, must take responsibility. Hosting individuals who are conspiring against a fellow nation cannot go without consequences. The actions carried out by these stateless actors from exile not only endanger their own fate but also, indirectly, that of their hosts.
This is not a call into question of the relationship between the two countries, but a reminder that regional stability is a shared good that must be protected. Côte d’Ivoire cannot remain passive in the face of coup plots being orchestrated from its soil. It must respond decisively and without leniency—before it’s too late.
This is a matter of peace in the region and of the credibility of mutual commitments to security and cooperation.
