Burkina Faso Leader Ibrahim Traoré Escapes Assassination Attempt

Capt. Ibrahim Traoré Survives Attack

A sophisticated assassination plot against Burkina Faso's military leader, Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, has been foiled, according to the West African nation. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed that the plan was orchestrated by Lt. Col. Paul Henri Damiba, the military officer ousted by Traoré in September 2022.

"Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in recent hours. They intended to assassinate the head of state and strike other key institutions, including civilian figures," Sana stated, adding that the plan was financed by funds from neighboring Côte d'Ivoire. There has been no comment from Col. Damiba or officials in Côte d'Ivoire regarding the situation.

Since coming to power, Capt. Traoré has faced at least two coup attempts and is contending with an uptick in jihadist violence, forcing millions to flee their homes. Despite these challenges and his authoritarian reputation, the 37-year-old military leader maintains strong popular support and has garnered followers across the continent for his pan-African vision and criticism of Western influence.

According to the security minister, authorities uncovered a leaked video in which conspirators discussed their plans. In the recording, they mentioned the intent to assassinate the president—either up close or by planting explosives at his residence—immediately after 11:00 PM local time on January 3. They also aimed to target other significant military and civilian figures.

Sana added that Damiba mobilized both military personnel and civilian supporters, secured external financing—most notably 70 million CFA francs (approximately $125,000) delivered from Côte d'Ivoire—and planned to destroy the country's drone launch base before foreign forces could intervene. "We are conducting ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will soon be brought to justice," the minister stated on national television.

Sana insisted that the situation is under control and urged citizens "not to be misled, out of naivety, into dangerous schemes." It remains unclear how many individuals have been arrested. Both local and foreign critics have accused Traoré of authoritarianism, claiming his government suppresses dissent—evidenced by the arbitrary arrest of military officers and restrictions on the media.

This is not the first time the junta has accused Côte d'Ivoire of foreign interference in its affairs. These internal power struggles are likely to escalate regional tensions. Col. Damiba served as Burkina Faso's leader from January to September 2022 after taking power from an elected government. Following his ousting, he publicly expressed his wishes for success to his successor via social media.