OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — The military government of Burkina Faso says it has successfully thwarted an alleged plot to kill President Captain Ibrahim Traoré and destabilise the country, authorities announced this week.
In a late-night televised address, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana told citizens that national intelligence services intercepted the operation in its final stages, preventing what officials describe as a sophisticated plan against the head of state and other key institutions.
According to the minister, the alleged plot was orchestrated by former Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba — who was ousted by Traoré in September 2022 — and involved a network of military and civilian actors. The plan, Sana said, included assassinating President Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence and targeting other senior military and civilian figures thereafter.
Sana further accused neighbouring Ivory Coast of financing the operation, claiming that financial backing totalling roughly 70 million CFA francs (about $125,000) came from across the border to support the destabilisation effort. While Burkina Faso’s government has levelled the allegation, there has been no official comment from Ivory Coast or from Col. Damiba.
Authorities say they uncovered a leaked video of the alleged conspirators discussing the plot, and several arrests have already been made, with investigations ongoing. Sana assured the public that those involved would be brought to justice and emphasised that the security situation remains under control.
Since seizing power, Capt. Traoré — a figure with strong support among segments of the population for his pan-Africanist stance and criticism of Western influence — has faced multiple coup attempts and internal power struggles amid growing security challenges, including jihadist violence in parts of the country.
This latest government announcement reflects the continuing political volatility in Burkina Faso, where frequent coups and counter-plots have marked the nation’s recent history.
Sources: BBC/AllAfrica/French Africa Press reporting compiled.
