Burkina Faso's Traore issues blunt threat to potential opponents, vowing swift action against anyone who dares to challenge him.

Ibrahim Traore, the head of Burkina Faso's military junta, moved to quell speculation about a power struggle within the government last week, asserting his intention to remain the country's sole leader.

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His comments came amid a prolonged absence of two key junta figures, which has fueled rumors of infighting within the military government that seized power in a coup in September 2022.

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Traore warned that he would not tolerate any challenge to his authority, telling community leaders in Ouahigouya, northern Burkina, "There can't be two captains on one ship," and emphasizing that he would take decisive action against anyone who failed to follow his lead.

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The 38-year-old captain also stated, "Everyone who works with me knows how I operate," and "If anyone screws up, I'll take you down without a second thought," leaving no doubt about his intentions to maintain control.

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The speculation about infighting centers on Oumarou Yabre and Farouk Azaria Sorgho, the junta's second- and third-in-command, respectively, with Yabre's influence extending to the intelligence services and National Security Council.

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Yabre has not been seen in public since late May, and a security official reported that he had stopped attending his office at the National Intelligence Agency, while his security detail had been significantly reduced.

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Additionally, Yabre's entourage noted that several of his close associates had been abducted or arrested, including Islamic preacher Ishaq Kindo, who had criticized a bill regulating religious freedoms.

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Traore denounced Kindo, saying "This man is fundamentally bad," and referencing his creation of an Islamic police force in 2019, which had apparently raised concerns.

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Two officials close to Yabre were removed from their posts by presidential decree on June 17, further fueling speculation about a power struggle within the junta.

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Sorgho, the regime's third-in-command, has also been absent from public view since mid-May, and his Rapid Intervention Battalion No 4 has been led by his deputy during his absence.

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Security officials alleged that Sorgho had been "abducted" by Traore associates, and his father, Adama Luc Sorgho, a former infrastructure minister, was also arrested and then "abducted" by armed men, according to his entourage.

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Security operations have intensified in the capital over the past two months, with roads being reopened and security checkpoints set up near the presidential palace, according to local residents.