In brief
The Burkina Faso junta disclosed that it disrupted a sophisticated assassination plan aimed at Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who has faced challenges including coup attempts and jihadist violence since taking power. The alleged plot orchestrated by ousted Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba involved funding from Ivory Coast and targeted key national figures. The junta has made arrests and continues to investigate the matter amidst accusations of authoritarianism against Traoré's regime.
A plot to kill Burkina Faso's military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, has been thwarted, the West African nation's government announced. The sophisticated assassination plan was said to have been orchestrated by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the military officer ousted by Traoré in September 2022.
In a late-night broadcast, Mahamadou Sana, the security minister, stated, Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities. Allegations have surfaced that the plot was funded by sources in neighboring Ivory Coast, though no official response has been made by either Col Damiba or the Ivorian government.
Since Traoré's rise to power, he has contended with at least two coup attempts and increasing jihadist violence, leading to widespread displacement among the populace. Despite concerns over his authoritarian tendencies, Traoré maintains significant public support, bolstered by his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.
Authorities revealed the existence of a leaked video that displayed discussions among the plotters regarding their intentions to assassinate the president, potentially using explosives or close-range methods. Furthermore, they planned to target other senior military and civilian officials. The investigation is ongoing, and the government has made several arrests linked to the conspiracy, with assurances that those involved will face justice soon.
Critics of Traoré point to allegations of suppression of dissent and arbitrary arrests of military officers under his regime. The accusations against Ivory Coast regarding interference in Burkina Faso's affairs are not new and contribute to escalating regional tensions. Col Damiba, who led Burkina Faso briefly after toppling an elected government, has been accused of seeking to mobilize support against the current leadership.
