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.

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Mali and Burkina Faso Impose Retaliatory Travel Restrictions on US Citizens

Mali and Burkina Faso have responded to the US travel ban by imposing restrictions on American citizens. In statements released separately and reviewed by AFP on Wednesday, both countries’ foreign ministries said they would apply “equivalent measures” after President Donald Trump expanded the US travel ban this month to nearly 40 nations based solely on nationality. The US restrictions targeted Syrian citizens, Palestinian Authority passport holders, and nationals from several of Africa’s poorest countries, including Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. The White House said the ban aimed to block foreigners who “intend to threaten” Americans. Burkina Faso’s foreign ministry confirmed it was introducing “equivalent visa measures” for US citizens. Mali announced that, “with immediate effect,” American nationals would face the same entry conditions and requirements that the US imposes on Malian citizens. Mali also expressed regret that the US implemented the decision without prior consultation. Both countries are ruled by military juntas and belong to a regional confederation that includes Niger. While Niger has not formally announced countermeasures, its news agency reported that such actions had been decided. Trump’s December 17 announcement also included partial travel restrictions on other African countries such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, as well as Canada and Mexico. Some of these nations are set to participate in next year’s football World Cup in the US.

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Nigerian Air Force C-130 Aircraft NAF 913 Arrives Safely in Lisbon After Burkina Faso Incident

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the safe arrival of its C-130 aircraft, NAF 913, at a maintenance facility in Lisbon, Portugal. The aircraft and its crew had previously been detained by Burkina Faso on December 8 over alleged airspace violations, which the country described as a breach of its sovereignty. The personnel were released about 10 days later following diplomatic talks led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who met with Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré and officials of his administration. In a statement on Friday, NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the ferry flight to Lisbon was completed according to an updated flight plan and established aviation safety procedures. “The Nigerian Air Force confirms that its C-130 aircraft (NAF 913) arrived safely at the maintenance facility, OGMA, in Lisbon, Portugal today, 26 December 2025,” the statement read. “The aircraft transited Banjul and Casablanca and arrived without incident, marking the final phase of the movement for scheduled depot maintenance. All personnel are safe and in high spirits. “The Nigerian Air Force appreciates the cooperation of host authorities during the transit and reaffirms its commitment to the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational accountability.”

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Burkina Faso Frees 11 Nigerian Air Force Crew Members And Aircraft After Diplomatic Talks

Burkina Faso has released a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft and its 11 crew members following a two-week detention after a precautionary landing. The aircraft, on a ferry mission to Portugal, was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso due to technical issues. The Nigerian Air Force stated that the crew diverted to the nearest airfield to ensure safety, fully adhering to international aviation protocols. NAF Director of Public Relations, Mr. Ehimen Ejodame, emphasized that the landing was a standard safety measure. Earlier, Mali’s junta leader, Assimi Goita, speaking on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States, described the landing as an “unfriendly act carried out in defiance of international law” and warned that aircraft violating Sahelian airspace would be neutralized. The release followed diplomatic talks in Ouagadougou between a Nigerian delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, and Burkina Faso’s leader, Mr. Ibrahim Traoré. Tuggar, acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, briefed journalists after the successful engagement. Confirming the development on Wednesday night, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated: “Yes, they have been released.” The resolution marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough, easing tensions and reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue and regional security cooperation.

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FG Sends High-Level Delegation To Burkina Faso Over Detained Nigerian Air Force Pilots

The Federal Government has dispatched a senior delegation to Burkina Faso to engage the authorities over the continued detention of Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew members. The team is headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and is made up of top officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters. Officials familiar with the mission said the delegation has arrived in Ouagadougou and has begun discussions with Burkinabè officials in what were described as calm and constructive engagements. A meeting with Burkina Faso’s leader, President Ibrahim Traoré, is also expected to take place. According to a senior government source, the visit is aimed at reducing tensions, improving mutual understanding and securing the release of the NAF personnel, who have now been in detention for nine days. The source added that Nigeria is also using the opportunity to restate its dedication to regional security collaboration, dialogue and adherence to international aviation and military regulations. “The mission underscores Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It is a confidence-building visit intended to strengthen mutual trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in addressing the complex security challenges facing the Sahel.” It was further explained that Nigeria and Burkina Faso, alongside other members of the Alliance of Sahel States, have a long history of cooperation in security operations, training and regional stabilisation efforts, particularly in combating terrorism and violent extremism. During the talks, the Nigerian delegation is expected to emphasise the importance of sustained dialogue, respect for international standards and regional solidarity as key pillars for peace and stability in West Africa. Those involved in the diplomatic effort expressed optimism that the discussions would lead to a peaceful outcome, deepen bilateral relations and enhance joint initiatives to improve security across the region.

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Burkina Faso Seizes Nigerian Aircraft Carrying 11 Military Personnel After Unauthorised Entry Into Its Airspace

Burkina Faso announced that a Nigerian Air Force C-130 transport aircraft carrying 11 military personnel was forced to land in Bobo Dioulasso on Monday after entering the country’s airspace without authorisation. The development was disclosed by Agence d’Information du Burkina, which released a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States. According to the translated statement, “The Confederation of Sahel States informs the public that a C130 aircraft belonging to the Air Force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was forced to land today, December 8, 2025, in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, following an in-flight emergency while operating in Burkinabe airspace. The military aircraft had two (2) crew members and nine (9) passengers on board, all military personnel.” Burkinabe authorities later found that the plane had no clearance to fly over the country. Their investigation “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.” The AES reacted sharply, calling the incident a breach of sovereignty. It stated that it “condemns with the utmost firmness this violation of its airspace and the sovereignty of its member States,” adding that its air and anti-aircraft systems, “put on maximum alert…were authorised to neutralise any aircraft that would violate the Confederate space.” The Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Government have not yet issued any formal response.

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Burkina Faso President Traoré Demands Answers After World Cup Playoff Spot Goes to Nigeria

Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré has called on the nation’s Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to explain why his country was denied a World Cup playoff spot, which instead went to Nigeria. The controversy followed Burkina Faso’s 3–1 win over Ethiopia, a result they believed would secure their qualification. However, CAF applied a rule that discounted points earned against the lowest-ranked team in each group — a measure triggered by Eritrea’s withdrawal — which ultimately benefited Nigeria, who had only drawn twice with Zimbabwe, the bottom-ranked team in their group. The decision reportedly left Traoré angered and seeking answers. Reports say Traoré has requested a full breakdown of the qualification process, particularly after Burkina Faso’s strong finish. The Stallions had played early qualifiers away from home while their Stade du 4 Août was being renovated to meet CAF standards. Upon returning to their home stadium, they recorded crucial victories, only to later learn that Nigeria had advanced instead.

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Burkina Faso Refuses US Proposal to Accept Deported Citizens

Burkina Faso Refuses US Proposal to Accept Deported Citizens

Burkina Faso has rejected a US request to take in deported individuals, pushing back against a key migration policy under President Donald Trump. The West African nation, governed by a junta critical of Western influence, refused to accept people sent to third countries with whom they have little or no connection. In contrast, several African countries, including Eswatini, Ghana, Rwanda, and South Sudan, have recently agreed to accept individuals expelled from the United States. Burkina Faso’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, called the proposal “indecent” and said it went against the country’s principles of dignity. Earlier on Thursday, the US embassy in Ouagadougou announced the suspension of most visa services for Burkinabe citizens, directing them instead to apply in Lome, Togo. “Is this a way to put pressure on us? Is this blackmail? Whatever it is… Burkina Faso is a place of dignity, a destination, not a place of expulsion,” Traore said. Since taking power in a September 2022 coup, Captain Ibrahim Traore has positioned himself as an anti-imperialist, Pan-African leader, reducing ties with France and the West while strengthening relations with Russia.  

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