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Burkina Faso thwarts coup attempt targeting leader
Burkina Faso's government announced late Tuesday that it had disrupted a sophisticated plot to assassinate military ruler Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, allegedly orchestrated by his ousted predecessor, Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Damiba.
Plot details emerge
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed in a national broadcast that intelligence services intercepted the operation in its final stages. The plan, he said, involved killing Traoré and subsequently targeting other key military and civilian figures.
Sana alleged the conspirators intended to strike shortly after 11 p.m. local time on Saturday, either through close-range assassination or explosives planted at Traoré's residence. A leaked video, he claimed, showed the plotters discussing their strategy, including plans to disable the country's drone-launch base to prevent foreign intervention.
Foreign funding allegations
The minister accused Damiba of mobilizing both military personnel and civilian supporters, securing 70 million CFA francs ($125,000; £92,000) in foreign funding-primarily from neighboring Ivory Coast. Neither Damiba nor Ivorian authorities have responded to the allegations.
Sana confirmed multiple arrests but did not specify the number of detainees. He assured the public that investigations were ongoing and that those involved would face justice.
Political context and regional tensions
Traoré, who seized power in September 2022, has faced at least two prior coup attempts and escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions. Despite his authoritarian reputation-including accusations of suppressing dissent and media restrictions-he retains significant popular support, bolstered by his pan-Africanist rhetoric and criticism of Western influence.
Damiba, who ruled Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after overthrowing an elected government, has been in exile in Togo since his ouster. In a social media message at the time, he wished Traoré "every success."
Broader implications
The latest allegations against Ivory Coast mark a continuation of Burkina Faso's claims of foreign interference, further straining regional stability. Critics argue that Traoré's government uses such narratives to justify crackdowns on opposition.
Sana urged citizens to remain vigilant, warning against being "misled into dangerous schemes."
