Burkina Faso’s security authorities say they have uncovered and neutralised an alleged plan to assassinate the country’s military ruler, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the plot, which was scheduled to be carried out on the night of January 3, involved a mix of civilian, military and foreign actors. He said intelligence operatives intercepted the plan shortly before it was to be executed.
Speaking during a late-night address on Tuesday, Sana said the alleged conspirators intended to kill Traoré and follow up with coordinated attacks on strategic state institutions and influential civilian figures.
According to him, two methods were considered to eliminate the head of state: a direct attack or the use of explosives at his private residence. He added that several senior civil and military officials were also marked for elimination.
The minister further alleged that the group planned to sabotage a military drone base as part of broader preparations for a possible ground offensive.
Sana accused former transitional president Paul-Henri Damiba of orchestrating the plot, claiming he played a central role in designing the operation, securing funds and recruiting collaborators. Damiba led Burkina Faso briefly in 2022 before being removed in a coup led by Traoré.
He also alleged that the operation was financed from neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire, with about 70 million CFA francs set aside to fund the plot.
Neither Damiba nor Ivorian authorities have publicly responded to the allegations.
Sana said several suspects have been taken into custody, including businessman Madi Sakandé, who reportedly acknowledged contacts with Damiba. He added that investigations are continuing to dismantle the entire network behind the alleged plot.
