Burkina Faso government has announced that its security forces have stopped an alleged plot to assassinate Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s military leader, following a late intelligence breakthrough.
Gatekeepers News reports that the security minister, Mahamadou Sana, said the plan was uncovered hours before it was to be carried out on the night of January 3. He explained that the alleged operation involved civilian, military, and foreign actors and was aimed at destabilising the country’s leadership.
Sana said, “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.”
According to the minister, the suspects considered either carrying out a direct attack or planting explosives at Traoré’s residence. He added that several senior civil and military officials were also identified as targets in the alleged plot.
Sana said the plan also included an attempt to destroy a drone base as part of a broader effort to weaken national security before a possible ground military action.
The minister accused former military ruler Paul-Henri Damiba of coordinating the operation, alleging that he handled planning, funding, and recruitment. Damiba briefly led Burkina Faso in 2022 before being removed from power by Traoré.
Sana further alleged that neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire was involved in financing the operation, claiming that about 70 million FCFA was set aside to fund the plot. Neither Damiba nor the Ivorian authorities have responded to the allegations.
He confirmed that several suspects have been arrested, including businessman Madi Sakandé, who reportedly admitted to having contact with Damiba. Sana said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest all individuals linked to the alleged assassination network.
Burkina Faso has experienced repeated coup attempts and security threats in recent years, largely linked to political instability and the country’s ongoing fight against armed groups, making the government particularly sensitive to plots against the current leadership.
