Burkina Faso foils plot to kill Leader Capt Ibrahim Traore
Burkina Faso’s government says it has foiled a plot to assassinate the country’s head of state, Captain Ibrahim Traore.
According to a late-night announcement from the security ministry, the conspiracy was reportedly masterminded by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, the former military leader who was deposed by Capt. Traoré in September 2022.
“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,”
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated, alleging further that the operation received financial backing from neighboring Ivory Coast.
Neither Lt. Col. Damiba nor Ivorian authorities have publicly responded to the allegations.
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Captain Traoré’s government has experienced multiple security and political threats since taking power, including at least two previous coup attempts, while jihadist insurgencies continue to displace millions across the country.
Despite mounting instability and complaints from critics about authoritarian governance, the 37-year-old remains popular among a considerable portion of the population and has emerged as a continental symbol for pan-Africanism and resistance to Western influence.
Sana said authorities had obtained a leaked video in which conspirators openly discussed plans to attack the presidency. The individuals allegedly described killing Capt. Traoré either at close range or by placing explosives at his home shortly after 23:00 local time on Saturday, 3 January, before moving on to other key military and civilian targets.
The minister claimed Lt. Col. Damiba had recruited soldiers and civilians, received external financial support—including 70 million CFA francs (approximately $125,000)—and intended to disable the nation’s drone-launch facility to prevent outside intervention.
“We are carrying out ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” Sana said during the televised address, assuring citizens that the situation was under control and urging the public not to fall prey to “dangerous schemes.”
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It remains unclear how many suspects are currently in custody.
Civil society organizations, advocacy groups, and international observers have accused Capt. Traoré’s administration of heavy-handed rule, including restricting the media and detaining soldiers believed to be critical of the government.
Burkina Faso has previously suggested Ivory Coast is interfering in its domestic affairs, and analysts warn that this latest development risks escalating regional tensions further.
Damiba led Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after overthrowing an elected government. Upon his removal, he relocated to neighboring Togo and publicly wished Traoré well in a message posted online.
