Plot to Assassinate Capt Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso Thwarted

Burkina Faso’s security services say they have intercepted and dismantled an alleged plot to assassinate the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in what authorities describe as a “serious threat to national stability.”

The Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, disclosed the revelations late Tuesday January 6, accusing former transitional leader Lieutenant Colonel Paul‑Henri Sandaogo Damiba of orchestrating the plan.

According to Minister Sana, intelligence officials uncovered the scheme “in the final hours” before its planned execution, which was scheduled for the night of 3 January.

The primary objective, he said, was to “kill the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities.”

The minister also alleged that the operation was funded from neighbouring Ivory Coast, though neither Damiba nor Ivorian authorities have responded to the accusations.

Traoré, 37, has led Burkina Faso since overthrowing Damiba in September 2022 after a short and turbulent tenure as leader by the latter.

Col. Damiba served as the country’s leader from January to September 2022 following a coup that ousted the elected government.

Also Read: Nigeria Apologizes to Burkina Faso After Military Jet Detention Standoff

Details of the Foiled Plot and Government Response

Intercepted communications and a leaked video showed conspirators discussing their plans, which included assassinating Traoré either at close range or by targeting his residence with explosives after 23:00 local time on 3 January.

After eliminating the head of state, plotters allegedly intended to attack other senior military and civilian figures and disrupt critical infrastructure.

Sana claimed that Damiba had “mobilised both soldiers and civilian supporters”, secured financing, notably about 70 million CFA francs( approximately Ksh.16 million) from Ivory Coast, and planned to disable the country’s drone‑launch base before any potential foreign intervention.

He said that authorities have made several arrests and that those detained “will be brought to justice soon.”

While insisting the situation is under control, the security minister appealed to citizens “not to be misled, out of naivety, into dangerous schemes.”

Also Read: Countries That Have Experienced Coups in Recent Years

Context: Ongoing Instability and Regional Impacts

The foiled plot comes amid a backdrop of repeated internal power struggles and security challenges that have rocked Burkina Faso since Traoré assumed power.

Since 2022, the junta has reported at least two coup attempts and alleged destabilization efforts, including a significant thwarted coup bid in April 2025.

The West African nation also continues to grapple with jihadist insurgency, which has displaced millions and severely undermined stability.

Traoré’s government has been accused of authoritarian tendencies, pointing to arbitrary arrests of opponents and media restrictions, accusations the junta denies.

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Burkina Faso’s president Ibrahim Traoré. PHOTO/ Ibrahim Traoré X