Ouagadougou (Kaab TV) — Authorities in Burkina Faso say they have foiled an assassination plot against the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, the alleged plan was orchestrated by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, the former leader who was overthrown by Traoré in September 2022. Speaking in a late-night broadcast, Sana said intelligence services disrupted the operation at the last moment.
“Our intelligence services intercepted this plot in its final phase. The conspirators intended to assassinate the head of state and then attack other strategic institutions, including civilian figures,” the minister said. He further claimed the operation was financed from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
Neither Damiba nor authorities in Ivory Coast have commented on the allegations.
Since taking power, Captain Traoré has survived at least two coup attempts while facing escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions. Despite accusations of authoritarian rule, the 37-year-old leader retains significant domestic support and has attracted wider attention in Africa for his pan-Africanist stance and criticism of Western influence.
Sana said investigators obtained a leaked video in which the alleged plotters discussed 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. The group reportedly intended to target other senior military and civilian officials afterward.
The minister also alleged that Damiba recruited both soldiers and civilians, secured foreign funding — including about 70 million CFA francs ($125,000) from Ivory Coast — and planned to disable the country’s drone-launch base to prevent foreign intervention.
“Investigations are ongoing, and several suspects have been arrested. They will soon face justice,” Sana said, adding that the situation was under control and urging citizens not to be drawn into “dangerous schemes.”
The number of arrests has not been disclosed.
Critics at home and abroad accuse Traoré’s government of suppressing dissent through arbitrary arrests and media restrictions. The junta has previously blamed Ivory Coast for interference in Burkina Faso’s internal affairs, accusations that continue to strain regional relations.
Damiba ruled Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after overthrowing an elected government. Following his removal, he went into exile in Togo and later posted a message on social media wishing his successor success.