Burkina Faso Coup Plot: French Secretly Negotiates Release of Arrested DGSE Agents

Secret Behind the Scenes Negotiations are going on,Following Four French DGSE Agents, Caught in Burkina Faso's Murky Coup Plot Allegations.

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - A veil of suspicion hangs over Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou after the arrest of four French DGSE agents and their alleged involvement in a coup plot against the ruling junta sending shockwaves through the West African nation. While the military junta paints a picture of thwarted treachery pointing accusing finger at France. France vehemently denies the accusations, escalating tensions in an already fragile region. It's been almost two months since four members of the French intelligence services were arrested in Ouagadougou. In exchange for their release, the Ibrahim Traoré junta is said to be demanding the extradition of several Burkinabe personalities, including Djibrill Bassolé and François Compaoré.

The military government, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré who seized power in September 2022, claims the French agents were caught conspiring with allies of ousted interim president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, currently under house arrest. This narrative of foreign interference aligns with the Traore government's broader accusations against France, alleging their support for the jihadist insurgency plaguing northern Burkina Faso.

However, France swiftly refuted these claims, insisting the agents were merely performing technical tasks for the embassy. Traore government asserts French operatives, were masquerading as technical personnel, and were found to be in clandestine contact with Damiba's inner circle, plotting to overthrow thegovernment of the Burkinabè people. They claim their intentions were to derail the progress in combating the jihadist menace that France conveniently ignores, preferring to sow discord and prop up its stooges. The regime claims the weapons and explosives discovered in their possession were stark evidence of their malevolent intentions, a chilling reminder they say of the lengths France will go to maintain its neocolonial grip on African countries.

Behind the scenes, a diplomatic chess game unfolds. France, through official channels, demands the immediate release of its agents, while Burkina Faso remains tight-lipped and stands firm. Reports however suggestsin exchange for the release of the DGSE agents, the Ibrahim Traoré government is demanding the extradition of several Burkinabe personalities, including Djibrill Bassolé and François Compaoré.

Adding another layer of complexity, French reports speculate the arrest might be linked to internal power struggles within the junta, with factions vying for control and influence. They alleged growing dissent within the military ranks, suggesting the arrest is a calculated move by Ibrahim Traore to consolidate power.

Who Exactly are The DGSE? Brief Background.

The DGSE, or Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure, is France's external intelligence agency, similar to the American CIA or the British MI6. Established in 1982, the DGSE is responsible for gathering intelligence on foreign countries, conducting covert operations abroad, and protecting French interests overseas.

The DGSE is a highly secretive organization with around 7,200 employees, including intelligence officers, analysts, and technical specialists. The agency's activities are shrouded in secrecy, and much of its work remains classified.

However, it is known that the DGSE is involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Human intelligence: This involves recruiting and running human sources to gather information from within foreign countries.

• Signals intelligence: This involves intercepting and analysing electronic communications, such as phone calls and emails.

• Imagery intelligence : This involves collecting and analysing satellite imagery and other forms of aerial photography.

• Covert operations: The DGSE is known to conduct covert operations abroad, such as sabotage, assassinations, and coups d'état.

The DGSE is a controversial organisation, and its activities have been criticized by human rights groups. However, it is also an important part of France's national security apparatus.

Amidst this swirling vortex of accusations and counter-accusations, several critical questions remain unanswered:

• Is France using dark forces to reassert its influence in Burkina Faso?

• Were the DGSE agents plotting a coup?

• Will the agents be released soon, or will this escalate into a broader diplomatic crisis with far-reaching consequences?

Only time will tell how this murky affair unfolds. But one thing is certain: the arrest of the French DGSE agents has further strained relations between France and Burkina Faso, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in the West African nation. The international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution while bracing for the potential repercussions of this unfolding drama.

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