Security forces in Burkina Faso have reportedly thwarted a conspiracy to assassinate the country’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, and launch a broader attack on state institutions.
According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, intelligence services uncovered the plot in its final stages, preventing what he described as a planned strike on the night of January 3. Sana stated that the alleged scheme involved a network of civilian and military collaborators, including foreign actors.
“They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including prominent civilian figures,” Sana said, outlining the plot’s objective to destabilize the transitional government.
The minister explicitly accused the former military leader, Paul-Henri Damiba—who was ousted by Traoré in 2022—of masterminding the operation, alleging he organized funding and recruited participants. Sana further claimed that neighboring Côte d’Ivoire financed the plot with 70 million CFA francs, though no official response has been issued by Ivorian authorities.
Several arrests have been made in connection with the investigation, including businessman Madi Sakandé, who allegedly admitted to contacting Damiba. Authorities also noted that the plotters intended to destroy a drone base prior to a potential ground assault.
The alleged conspiracy highlights the continued instability within Burkina Faso, which has been under military rule since 2022 amid ongoing security challenges.
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