Burkina Faso: Revelation about the release of Lieutenant-Colonel Zoungrana. External funding?

Investigations conducted in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire have revealed that the release of Lieutenant Colonel Zoungrana was orchestrated and funded by external sources.

The Plan

According to reliable sources, the plot began in early May, shortly after the announcement of the national conference that extended Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s transitional government.

The conspirators needed a brave and audacious officer, and they chose Lieutenant Colonel Zoungrana. But how would they secure his release?

Corruption within the Control Chamber

The Control Chamber, which consists of civilian judges, became the target of a bribery scheme.

Burkinabe politicians residing in Côte d’Ivoire, whose names will be disclosed once investigations are confirmed, initially negotiated a total sum to be paid for the release of Lieutenant Colonel Zoungrana.

Zoungrana agreed to lead the destabilization plot upon his release. He assured the conspirators that he could persuade his men to overthrow Captain Ibrahim Traoré on the day of the national conference.

The Deal accepted

Once the total amount for the release was agreed upon, some civilian judges from the military tribunal received an initial fifty percent (50%) of the total sum, with the remaining amount to be paid upon signing the release document.

These corrupt judges subsequently lobbied other judges in the Control Chamber to secure the release of Lieutenant Colonel Zoungrana.

Timing the execution of the Deal

Unconfirmed sources indicate that the corrupt judges were tasked with ensuring Zoungrana’s release before the national conference.

This explains why the release document was signed on May 24, 2024, immediately after the conference.

Delays in the payment of the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the sum caused a postponement in the execution of the signed document, leading to Zoungrana’s eventual release on May 29, 2024.

The Objective after the delayed release of Lieutenant Colonel Zoungrana

Upon his release, Zoungrana was to travel to an undisclosed location where certain individuals were waiting to implement a destabilization plot scheduled between late June and July.

This scheme was devised by a Burkinabe politician residing in Côte d’Ivoire, with funds already secured. Further details will be provided later.

Identifying the corrupt Judges

Names are circulating, and Burkinabe authorities have obtained information on this matter.

A close associate of Lieutenant Colonel Zoungrana, who was intercepted, has reportedly cooperated and provided names to the authorities, who are currently conducting confirmation investigations.

Stay tuned for more details on the actors and specifics of the forthcoming destabilization plots in our next editions.

Olivier TOE