iDeemlawfulBurkina Faso’s security agencies have uncovered and stopped a new assassination plot targeting Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the nation’s military ruler.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, who alleged that the scheme was orchestrated by former leader Paul Henri Damiba, removed from power in September 2022.
“Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in its final stages. The plan was to assassinate the head of state and then carry out attacks on other strategic targets, including key institutions and civilian figures,” Sana said.
He further alleged that funding for the operation originated from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
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As of the time of filing this report, neither Damiba nor authorities in Ivory Coast had issued any response to the claims.
Following the exposure of the alleged plot, the government said it had reinforced security around key public institutions and increased border monitoring, especially along the Ivory Coast boundary.
Officials added that investigations are ongoing to track down all individuals linked to the plan.
Since taking power, 37-year-old Captain Traoré has survived several alleged coup attempts, as the country continues to grapple with jihadist violence that has displaced millions.
In April 2025, authorities announced they had disrupted another coup attempt involving serving and former soldiers accused of planning coordinated assaults on the presidential palace and other sensitive locations.
Traoré assumed leadership after ousting Damiba, who himself had governed for only a short period following a January 2022 military takeover.
The latest incident comes amid sustained insurgent attacks and a worsening humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso.
Despite these challenges, Traoré has maintained backing among segments of the population and drawn attention across parts of Africa for his criticism of Western influence and advocacy of pan-Africanist ideals.