Burkina Faso’s authorities have announced that a plot to assassinate the country’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, was successfully foiled. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed in a late-night broadcast that the plan was allegedly orchestrated by former junta chief Lt. Col. Paul Henri Damiba, who was ousted by Traoré in September 2022. The minister further claimed that the operation was financed from neighbouring Ivory Coast, although neither Damiba nor Ivorian authorities have commented on the allegations.
According to Sana, investigators uncovered video evidence showing the conspirators discussing their plan to kill Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence. The attack was reportedly scheduled for just after 23:00 local time on Saturday, January 3. Following Traoré’s assassination, the plotters allegedly intended to target other senior military and civilian officials. Sana stated that Damiba had mobilised both soldiers and civilian supporters and secured foreign funding, including 70 million CFA francs (approximately $125,000), to carry out the operation. The plot also reportedly involved plans to disable Burkina Faso’s drone-launch base before intervention by foreign forces.
Several arrests have been made, and ongoing investigations are underway, according to the minister, who assured citizens that the situation is under control and urged the public not to be misled into dangerous schemes. The exact number of detained individuals has not been disclosed.
Capt Traoré, 37, has faced at least two coup attempts since taking power and continues to contend with rising jihadist violence that has displaced millions. Despite criticisms over alleged authoritarianism, arbitrary arrests, and media restrictions, he retains strong popular support and has been recognised across Africa for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.
The allegations of foreign funding and involvement in the plot mark a further strain in regional relations, particularly with Ivory Coast. Analysts warn that internal power struggles within Burkina Faso are likely to exacerbate tensions in West Africa. Col. Damiba, who led Burkina Faso from January to September 2022, went into exile in Togo after his ouster.
Earlier, Nigeria’s Federal Government secured the release of 11 military officers detained in Burkina Faso, demonstrating ongoing diplomatic engagement in the region.
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