Burkina Faso Claims Foiled A$$assination Plot Against Military Leader Ibrahim Traoré

Authorities in Burkina Faso say they have thwarted a sophisticated plot to assassinate the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced that intelligence services intercepted the operation just hours before it was set to be executed.

According to the government, the plot was allegedly orchestrated by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, whom Traoré overthrew in a coup in 2022. The minister further claimed that funding for the plan came from neighboring Ivory Coast, though no evidence was immediately provided and both Damiba and Ivorian officials have not commented.

Minister Sana stated that investigators possess a leaked video in which conspirators discuss two methods for killing Traoré: a direct attack or by detonating explosives at his residence. The plot reportedly also targeted other military and civilian leaders.

The government alleges that the plan involved disabling the country’s drone capabilities to prevent a response. Sana confirmed several arrests and that investigations are ongoing, assuring the public that the situation is under control. Captain Traoré, who has survived previous coup attempts, continues to lead the country amid a severe jihadist insurgency while maintaining significant domestic and pan-African support.