Burkina Faso Military foils alleged assassination plot against Captain Traoré

Burkina Faso’s military government says it has thwarted an alleged assassination plot targeting President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, accusing his predecessor, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, of orchestrating the plan.

In a late-night national broadcast, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated that intelligence services intercepted the operation in its final stages. According to Sana, the plot involved not only Traoré’s assassination but also attacks on key institutions and prominent civilian figures.

“Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities,” Sana said, alleging that the scheme was financed from neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire.

Authorities claim investigators obtained a leaked video showing the plotters discussing methods to either shoot Traoré at close range or plant explosives at his residence around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3. Further attacks on senior military officers and civilian leaders were reportedly planned.

Sana accused Damiba of mobilising both military and civilian supporters, securing foreign funding — including 70 million CFA francs (about $125,000) allegedly delivered from Côte d’Ivoire, and attempting to disable the country’s drone-launch base to prevent foreign intervention.

“We are carrying out ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” the minister added, urging citizens not to engage with “dangerous schemes.” No details were immediately provided on the number of arrests.

Captain Traoré, who came to power through a September 2022 coup, has survived at least two prior coup attempts while managing escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions across Burkina Faso. Despite criticisms of authoritarian practices, the 37-year-old leader maintains strong domestic support and has gained attention for his pan-Africanist stance and critique of Western influence in Africa.

Critics, however, accuse Traoré’s government of suppressing dissent through arbitrary arrests of military officers and media restrictions. The junta has repeatedly blamed foreign interference, particularly from Côte d’Ivoire, for internal instability, fueling diplomatic tensions in the region.

Damiba, who led Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 before being ousted, fled into exile in Togo. At the time, he had publicly wished Traoré success, a stance that sharply contrasts with the latest allegations.

The incident highlights the fragile political and security situation in Burkina Faso, raising concerns over further instability and potential spillover effects across West Africa.