Burkina Faso has claimed to have thwarted a sophisticated plot to assassinate its military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The alleged plan, uncovered by the nation's intelligence services in its final hours, was orchestrated by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, the military officer whom Traoré ousted in September 2022.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced the interception in a late-night broadcast, detailing that the plotters had intended to assassinate the Head of State and subsequently target other key institutions and civilian personalities. According to the minister, a leaked video revealed the conspirators discussing their intentions to assassinate President Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence just after 23:00 local time on Saturday, January 3. Following the presidential assassination, they reportedly planned to target other senior military and civilian figures.

Sana further alleged that the operation was funded from neighboring Ivory Coast, with 70 million CFA francs (approximately $125,000 or £92,000) being delivered for the plot. Damiba was accused of mobilizing both soldiers and civilian supporters, and the plan reportedly included knocking out the country’s drone-launch base to prevent foreign intervention. As of the broadcast, there has been no comment from either Col Damiba or Ivory Coast regarding these serious allegations.

The security minister confirmed that ongoing investigations have led to several arrests, and the individuals involved will soon be brought to justice. Sana insisted that the situation was under control and urged citizens not to be misled into dangerous schemes out of naivety. The exact number of arrests made remains unclear.

Since seizing power, Captain Traoré has faced at least two prior coup attempts and is also contending with escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions. Despite challenges and a reputation for authoritarianism, the 37-year-old military leader maintains strong popular support. He has also garnered a significant following across the African continent due to his outspoken pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.

However, Traoré’s government has drawn criticism, both domestically and internationally, for alleged authoritarian tendencies, including arbitrary arrests of military officers and restrictions on media freedom. This is not the first instance where the Burkinabe junta has accused Ivory Coast of foreign interference in its internal affairs. The ongoing internal power struggles and these new allegations are expected to further heighten regional tensions. Lt Col Damiba, who previously led Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after overthrowing an elected government, went into exile in neighboring Togo after his ousting, expressing wishes of success to his successor on social media.