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Burkina Faso’s junta says it has stopped a plot to assassinate the country’s military leader, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré.
The security minister, Mahamadou Sana, said the plan was uncovered in the final stages and was allegedly organised by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, who was removed from power by Traoré in September 2022.
Speaking in a late-night broadcast, Sana said intelligence services intercepted the operation shortly before it was to be carried out.
“Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours,” Sana said.
“They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities.”
Sana alleged that the plot was financed from neighbouring Ivory Coast, claiming that about 70 million CFA francs ($125,000) had been provided to support the operation. He did not present evidence for the claim. There has been no response from Damiba or Ivorian authorities.
According to the minister, investigators obtained a leaked video in which the alleged plotters discussed plans to kill Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence shortly after 11:00 pm local time on Saturday, January 3.
The group also allegedly planned to attack other senior military and civilian officials.
Sana said the suspects intended to disable Burkina Faso’s drone-launch base to delay any external military response. He added that both soldiers and civilians had been recruited for the plan.
“We are carrying out ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” Sana said, without specifying how many people had been detained.
Traoré, who seized power in a coup at age 34, has faced at least two previous coup attempts. His government is also fighting escalating jihadist violence linked to armed groups operating across the Sahel, a conflict that has displaced millions of people.
Despite mounting security challenges and criticism over authoritarian rule, Traoré retains strong domestic support and has gained regional attention for his pan-Africanist rhetoric and criticism of Western influence.
Sana said the situation was under control and urged citizens “not to be misled, out of naivety, into dangerous schemes.”
