Burkina Faso’s transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has raised concerns about the tumultuous relations with neighboring countries, particularly Ivory Coast. In an interview with the national television broadcaster RTB, Traoré accused Ivory Coast of sheltering opponents to his regime and failing to act when “terrorists” crossed the Ivorian border.
Speaking on April 26 in a televised interview, Captain Ibrahim Traoré highlighted the need for improved relations with most neighboring countries. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with Ivory Coast, stating, “There is room for improvement, especially with Ivory Coast.”
He continued, “They need to return to better terms. All destabilizers of Burkina Faso are there, openly. Ivorian officers have spoken ill of Burkina Faso. At some point, hypocrisy must stop, and the truth must be told: there is a problem.”
Regarding his communication with President Alassane Ouattara, Traoré mentioned an initial exchange but noted a subsequent breakdown in communication. “Initially, I had some communication with President Alassane Ouattara over the phone. He sent emissaries, but something happened; the contact was lost. With those who started leaving there, those we are searching for, there has been no cooperation,” he added.
Efforts to mend relations were observed on April 19, 2024, when Burkina Faso’s Defense Minister General Kassoum Coulibaly and Ivorian Defense Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara met at the border, expressing hopes for a “fresh start” in their relations.
Incidents between the two nations have been ongoing for several months, exacerbated by Burkina Faso’s military regime, stemming from two coups in 2022 and facing violence from jihadist groups. In late March, a Burkinabe soldier and a civilian army assistant were arrested in the northern Ivory Coast. Earlier, on September 19, 2023, two Ivorian gendarmes were detained in Burkina Faso while operating at an illegal gold mining site.