Burkina Faso Thwarts Assassination Plot Against Leader Traoré

Burkina Faso’s military government has announced the interception of an alleged plot to assassinate its leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The government has accused his predecessor, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, of orchestrating the scheme. During a late-night national broadcast, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed that intelligence services uncovered the plot in its final stages, which involved plans to kill Traoré and subsequently target key institutions and prominent civilians.

According to Sana, the intelligence operation intercepted the assassination plan, which was to take place shortly after 23:00 local time on January 3, 2024. The accused plotters allegedly discussed methods to either shoot Traoré at close range or detonate explosives at his residence. Additionally, the operation reportedly included attacks on senior military officers and civilian leaders.

Sana claimed that the assassination scheme was financed through funds from neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire. He mentioned that investigators had obtained a leaked video showing individuals involved in the plot discussing their intentions. The minister alleged that Damiba mobilised both military personnel and civilian supporters, securing approximately 70 million CFA francs (around $125,000) from Ivorian sources to carry out the operation.

The minister assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that several arrests have already been made. “These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” he stated, emphasizing that the situation is under control. He urged citizens to refrain from engaging in what he termed “dangerous schemes.”

Authorities have not disclosed the number of individuals arrested in connection with the alleged plot.

Captain Traoré, who came to power through a coup in September 2022, has faced multiple reported attempts on his leadership amidst growing jihadist violence that has displaced millions throughout the country. Despite the ongoing security challenges and criticisms regarding authoritarian practices, the 37-year-old leader maintains significant domestic support. His pan-Africanist stance and outspoken criticism of Western influence in Africa have garnered admiration beyond Burkina Faso’s borders.

Critics have accused Traoré’s government of suppressing dissent, citing arbitrary arrests of military officers and curtailment of media freedoms. The junta has frequently blamed foreign interference, particularly from Côte d’Ivoire, for the internal instability affecting the nation, a claim that has previously strained diplomatic relations.

Lieutenant Colonel Damiba, who led Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after his own coup against an elected government, fled to exile in neighbouring Togo following his ousting. In a social media message at that time, he expressed goodwill towards Traoré, a sentiment that starkly contrasts with the current allegations made against him.

This latest development highlights ongoing power struggles within Burkina Faso and raises concerns about potential instability and increasing tensions in the West African region. The situation remains fluid, with the government’s response and future actions likely to impact the political landscape significantly.