Burkina Faso Thwarts Assassination Plot Against Military Leader Traoré
Burkina Faso has announced that a plan to assassinate the country’s military leader, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, was successfully foiled.
The scheme was allegedly orchestrated by Lt. Col. Paul Henri Damiba, the former military ruler who was ousted by Traoré in September 2022, according to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana during a late-night broadcast.
“Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. The plot aimed to kill the head of state and then target other key institutions, including civilian figures,” Sana said, further claiming that the plan had received funding from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
There has been no official comment from either Damiba or the Ivorian government.
Since taking power, Capt. Traoré has faced at least two coup attempts and is simultaneously dealing with escalating jihadist violence, which has displaced millions of people. Despite these challenges, the 37-year-old leader maintains significant popular support, and his pan-Africanist stance and criticism of Western influence have earned him a following across the continent.
Authorities reported discovering a leaked video of the plotters, in which they allegedly discussed assassinating Traoré—either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence—late on Saturday, January 3, before moving on to target other senior military and civilian officials.
The security minister added that Damiba had allegedly mobilized both soldiers and civilian supporters, secured foreign financing—70 million CFA francs (approximately $125,000) from Ivory Coast—and planned to disable the country’s drone-launch base to prevent foreign intervention.
“Investigations are ongoing, and several arrests have been made. These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” Sana said, assuring citizens that the situation is under control and urging them not to be misled by dangerous schemes.
The exact number of arrests has not been disclosed.
Critics, both domestic and international, have accused Traoré of authoritarianism, citing arbitrary detentions of military officers and restrictions on media freedom. The junta has previously alleged foreign interference from Ivory Coast, adding to regional tensions.
Damiba, who ruled Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after a coup, went into exile in Togo following his ouster and publicly wished Traoré success.
