Plot to Kill Burkina Faso Leader Foiled, Junta Says

Burkina Faso’s military government says it has foiled a plot to assassinate the country’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has ruled since seizing power in September 2022.

The announcement was made late at night by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, who said intelligence services disrupted the plan in its final stages.

Former Leader Accused

According to the junta, the plot was orchestrated by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, the former military ruler ousted by Traoré in 2022.

“Our intelligence services intercepted the operation in the final hours,” Sana said during a national broadcast.
“They planned to assassinate the head of state and then attack other key institutions, including civilian figures.”

The government also alleged that the plot received financial backing from neighboring Ivory Coast.

Neither Damiba nor the Ivorian authorities have commented on the accusations.

Leaked Video and Planned Attacks

The security minister said authorities uncovered a leaked video showing the alleged plotters discussing how to kill the president.

In the footage, they reportedly debated assassinating Traoré at close range or planting explosives at his residence. The attack was allegedly scheduled for just after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3.

Afterward, the group planned to target senior military officers and civilian leaders.

Foreign Funding Allegations

Sana claimed Damiba mobilized both soldiers and civilian supporters and secured foreign funding. He alleged that 70 million CFA francs (about $125,000) were delivered from Ivory Coast to finance the operation.

The minister also said the plot included plans to disable Burkina Faso’s drone-launch base to prevent foreign military intervention.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigations

Authorities have arrested several suspects, though the exact number remains unclear.

“We are continuing investigations, and those involved will be brought to justice,” Sana said.

He added that the situation was under control and urged citizens not to be drawn into “dangerous schemes.”

A Leader Under Pressure

Since taking power, Captain Traoré has survived at least two attempted coups. His government is also battling rising jihadist violence, which has displaced millions across the country.

Despite criticism from human rights groups and foreign observers, the 37-year-old leader enjoys strong domestic support. He has also gained popularity across Africa for his pan-Africanist stance and outspoken criticism of Western influence.

Growing Regional Tensions

Critics accuse Traoré’s government of authoritarianism, citing media restrictions and arrests of dissenting military officers.

This is not the first time Burkina Faso’s junta has blamed foreign interference, particularly from Ivory Coast, for internal instability.

Analysts warn that continued power struggles could further increase tensions in an already volatile West African region.

Background

Paul Henri Damiba ruled Burkina Faso from January to September 2022, after overthrowing an elected government. He was later removed by Traoré in another coup.