Burkina Faso’s government says it has successfully foiled a plot to assassinate military leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré, just days into 2026, heightening political tension in the West African nation.
According to officials, the alleged conspiracy was discovered by intelligence services and intercepted in its final stages before it could be carried out on Saturday, 3rd of January 2026.
The plan reportedly involved killing Capt Traoré, targeting key institutions, and destabilising the country amid ongoing internal struggles and security challenges.
Those Involved In The Coup Plot
Security officials have named Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the former transitional leader who was ousted by Traoré in September 2022, as the alleged mastermind behind the foiled plot.
According to the Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, the conspiracy involved both military personnel and civilians, and it was strategically planned to assassinate Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence just after 23:00 local time on January 3rd.
The plan also extended to targeting senior military and civilian figures and sabotaging the country’s drone-launch base to weaken military response capabilities.
Officials further alleged that the group had mobilised supporters, recruited operatives, and secured foreign funding, including approximately 70 million CFA francs (about $125,000) from sources in neighbouring Ivory Coast.
There has been no public response from either Damiba or the government of Ivory Coast regarding these accusations.
Were The Perpetrators Caught?
Authorities say that investigations are ongoing and that several arrests have already been made in connection with the alleged coup plot, though the exact number of suspects detained has not been disclosed.
Security officials have assured the public that those implicated will be brought before prosecutors and face justice, affirming that the situation is under control and advising citizens to remain vigilant.
At this stage, most of the details released come from government statements, and there has been no independent verification of the individuals in custody or whether key figures such as Damiba have been apprehended.
Government Statement
The Burkina Faso government has characterised the event as a serious attempt to destabilise the state, emphasising that its intelligence services were able to intercept the operation “in the final hours.”
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana outlined the alleged scheme during a late-night televised address, accusing the plotters of planning a coordinated campaign of assassinations and sabotage against the nation’s leadership and strategic assets.
Officials have also linked the plot’s funding to foreign sources, most notably citing financial contributions from Ivory Coast, though this claim has not been independently confirmed and has been met with no official rebuttal from Ivorian authorities.
The government insists the threat has been neutralised and prosecutors will pursue those involved under the full force of the law.
This foiled coup attempt comes amid persistent instability in Burkina Faso, where Capt Traoré has faced multiple past coup attempts and ongoing jihadist violence since taking power.
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