OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso’s government says it has prevented an alleged assassination attempt targeting the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in what officials describe as a highly coordinated operation involving both domestic and foreign actors.
In a late-night national broadcast, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana accused former junta leader Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba of masterminding the plot, claiming the plan was uncovered just hours before it was due to be carried out.
“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, adding that the operation was allegedly financed from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
Neither Damiba nor the Ivorian authorities have publicly responded to the accusations.
According to the minister, investigators recovered a leaked video in which the suspected plotters were seen discussing their strategy.
In the footage, they allegedly outlined plans to kill the president either at close range or by detonating explosives at his residence shortly after 23:00 local time on Saturday, 3 January. Officials say the group also intended to target senior military commanders and civilian figures once the initial attack was complete.
Sana further alleged that Damiba had recruited both soldiers and civilian collaborators, secured significant financial backing, including 70 million CFA francs ($125,000; £92,000) reportedly delivered from Ivory Coast, and intended to disable the country’s drone-launch base to prevent any foreign military intervention.
“We are carrying out ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” the minister said on state television.
He insisted the security situation was now stable and appealed to the public for calm, urging citizens “not to be misled, out of naivety, into dangerous schemes.”
Authorities have not disclosed how many suspects are currently in custody.
Captain Traoré, who seized power in September 2022 after removing Damiba from office, has survived at least two reported coup attempts since assuming leadership.
His government is also battling escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions across the country.
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Despite mounting security pressures and growing criticism over authoritarian governance, including alleged suppression of dissent, arrests of military officers, and constraints on media freedom, the 37-year-old leader retains broad domestic backing and has cultivated strong support beyond Burkina Faso’s borders for his pan-Africanist message and outspoken opposition to Western political influence.
This is not the first time the junta has accused foreign interests of interfering in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs, with Ivory Coast repeatedly named in previous claims, a pattern that analysts say risks intensifying regional diplomatic strains.
Damiba ruled Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after overthrowing an elected government.
Following his removal, he released a public statement wishing his successor success, though his current whereabouts remain unclear.
