Burkina Faso Leader Issues Warning As Power Struggle Speculation Grows

Burkina Faso’s military leader, Ibrahim Traore, has dismissed speculation of a power struggle within the ruling junta, declaring that he remains the country’s sole leader and warning that disloyal officials would be removed.

Speaking to community leaders in Ouahigouya, Traore said there was no room for rival power centres within the military government that seized power in a September 2022 coup.

“There can’t be two captains on one ship,” the 38-year-old captain said, adding that anyone who failed to align with his mission would be dealt with decisively.

His remarks come amid growing speculation over the prolonged absence of two senior junta figures—Deputy leader Oumarou Yabre and junta spokesperson Farouk Azaria Sorgho—both of whom have not been seen in public since May.

According to security sources, Yabre has stopped reporting to his office at the National Intelligence Agency, while Sorgho has reportedly been replaced by his deputy as commander of the Rapid Intervention Battalion. Some officials have alleged that Sorgho was detained by associates of Traore, although the claims remain unverified.

Traore insisted there were “no strongmen” around him and warned that any official who stepped out of line would be removed without hesitation.

The developments come as security measures have been tightened in the capital, Ouagadougou, where authorities have reopened roads previously closed for years while reinforcing checkpoints around the presidential palace, fuelling further speculation over tensions within the military leadership.