Burkina Faso Junta Says Assassination Plot Against Leader Ibrahim Traoré Was Thwarted

Burkina Faso’s ruling military authorities have announced that they foiled a plot to assassinate the country’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, claiming the plan was orchestrated by a former junta chief who was removed from power in 2022. The allegation adds to growing political tension in the West African nation, which has faced repeated coups and persistent insecurity.

In a late night broadcast, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said intelligence services intercepted the operation in its final stages, preventing what he described as a coordinated attempt to destabilise the state. According to Sana, the plan went beyond targeting Traoré and included attacks on other key institutions and civilian figures, suggesting a broader effort to trigger political chaos.

Authorities accused Paul Henri Damiba, the lieutenant colonel ousted by Traoré in September 2022, of masterminding the plot. Damiba was himself removed in a coup amid criticism over his handling of the country’s fight against armed groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. Since his removal, he has remained a controversial figure in Burkina Faso’s volatile political landscape.

The security minister also alleged that the plot received external backing, claiming it was funded from neighbouring Ivory Coast. No evidence was publicly presented to support the claim, and Ivorian authorities have not immediately responded. Such accusations risk straining already fragile regional relations at a time when cooperation is critical to addressing shared security threats.

Burkina Faso has experienced multiple coups in recent years, reflecting deep frustration within the armed forces and wider society over persistent violence and economic hardship. Traoré came to power promising a more assertive approach to national sovereignty and security, including distancing the country from traditional Western allies and strengthening ties with new partners.

Since taking control, the junta has portrayed itself as the guardian of national stability, frequently warning of internal and external plots. Supporters say such vigilance is necessary given the country’s history of political upheaval, while critics argue that repeated claims of conspiracies may be used to justify tighter control and suppress dissent.

The alleged assassination plot comes amid continued attacks by armed groups across large swathes of Burkina Faso, particularly in rural areas. Despite military offensives and the mobilisation of civilian volunteers, insecurity remains a central challenge, fuelling public anxiety and political tension.

Analysts say the accusation against Damiba highlights how unresolved power struggles continue to shape the country’s politics. Former leaders and factions sidelined by coups often retain networks within the military, creating an environment of suspicion and internal rivalry.

International observers have urged restraint and transparency, warning that unverified accusations could escalate tensions domestically and regionally. Calls have also been made for clearer timelines toward civilian rule, a promise the junta has repeatedly delayed citing security concerns.

For now, the authorities say the immediate threat has been neutralised and that investigations are ongoing. Security around government institutions in the capital Ouagadougou has reportedly been reinforced, though officials insist daily life continues as normal.

The announcement underscores the fragility of Burkina Faso’s political environment, where leadership remains contested and stability elusive. Whether the foiled plot strengthens Traoré’s grip on power or deepens divisions will depend on how the situation unfolds in the weeks ahead.