Burkina Faso’s military government says it has successfully thwarted a plot to assassinate its leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, and accuses former junta chief Paul‑Henri Sandaogo Damiba of masterminding the operation.
Authorities claim the conspiracy was part of a broader attempt to destabilise the country.
Plot Details and Government Statement
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced on national television that Burkina Faso’s intelligence services intercepted the alleged plot “in its final stages”, preventing what he described as an assassination and coup attempt planned for the night of 3 January 2026.
According to the minister, the plot included plans to kill Traoré either directly or by using explosives at his residence and then to target other key military and civilian institutions.
Sana said the conspirators also intended to neutralise a drone base essential for Burkina Faso’s security operations and to pave the way for a ground intervention by external forces.
Accusations Against Damiba and Alleged Backers
Authorities have blamed Lieutenant‑Colonel Paul‑Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the former transitional leader ousted by Traoré in September 2022, as the principal architect of the plot. Damiba, now in exile, was accused of organising recruitment, fundraising and pplanning
The government also alleges that some financing for the plot reportedly around 70 million CFA francs came from actors based in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire, but neither Damiba nor Ivorian officials have publicly responded.
Security forces have made multiple arrests linked to the alleged conspiracy, including civilians and military personnel. Investigations are continuing and those detained are expected to face pprosecution
Officials say the situation is under control and have urged calm among the population.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in September 2022 after toppling Damiba, has faced repeated challenges to his authority amid a long‑running jihadist insurgency and frequent coup attempts.
The latest revelation underscores ongoing political volatility in Burkina Faso, where military rule has persisted without a clear transition to civilian governance.
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