Burkina Faso Foils Assassination Plot Against Military Leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré

Burkina Faso’s authorities have announced the foiling of a plot to assassinate the country’s military ruler, Capt Ibrahim Traoré.

The security minister, Mahamadou Sana, said the plan was allegedly orchestrated by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the former leader ousted by Traoré in September 2022. The scheme reportedly targeted Traoré and other senior military and civilian figures, with funding allegedly coming from neighbouring Ivory Coast.

“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 during a late-night broadcast.

Authorities reported finding a leaked video in which the plotters discussed killing Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence on the night of 3 January. They reportedly intended to continue their attacks on other senior officials afterwards.

Sana added that Damiba had allegedly mobilised soldiers and civilian supporters, secured foreign funding—around 70 million CFA francs ($125,000; £92,000) from Ivory Coast—and planned to disable the country’s drone-launch base before foreign forces could intervene.

Several arrests have been made as investigations continue, though the total number of suspects detained has not been disclosed. “These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” Sana said, urging citizens to avoid involvement in dangerous schemes and assuring that the situation remains under control.

Capt Traoré, 37, has faced multiple coup attempts since taking power and is also grappling with increasing jihadist violence that has displaced millions. Despite his authoritarian reputation, he maintains strong domestic support and has gained recognition across Africa for his pan-Africanist outlook and criticism of Western influence.

However, critics continue to accuse Traoré’s government of suppressing dissent, including arbitrary arrests of military officers and restrictions on the media. This is not the first time the junta has pointed to Ivory Coast as a source of alleged interference in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs.