By Naomi Jeremiah

Burkina Faso’s military government (Junta) has announced that it has foiled an alleged plot to assassinate the country’s leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré.

In a late-night broadcast, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said intelligence services uncovered what he described as a “sophisticated operation” aimed at killing the 37-year-old military ruler and attacking other key institutions.

According to Sana, the plot was allegedly masterminded by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the former leader of Burkina Faso who was overthrown by Traoré in September 2022. The minister further claimed that the operation was funded from neighbouring Ivory Coast, an allegation both Damiba and Ivorian authorities have not commented on.

“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,” Sana said.

Authorities said they obtained a leaked video in which the suspected plotters discussed plans to kill the president either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence late on Saturday, January 3. The group was also accused of planning attacks on senior military and civilian officials and attempting to disable the country’s drone-launch base to prevent foreign intervention.

Sana alleged that the plot involved the mobilization of soldiers and civilians, as well as foreign funding, including about 70 million CFA francs reportedly delivered from Ivory Coast.

The security minister said several arrests had been made and investigations were ongoing, though he did not disclose the number of suspects detained. He urged citizens not to be drawn into what he described as “dangerous schemes.”

Since seizing power in 2022, Capt Traoré has survived multiple alleged coup attempts while battling escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions across the country. Despite criticism over authoritarian rule and suppression of dissent, Traoré maintains strong domestic support and has gained international attention for his pan-Africanist stance and criticism of Western influence.

Lt Col Damiba, who ruled Burkina Faso from January to September 2022, went into exile in Togo after his removal and had previously wished Traoré success in a message shared on social media.

The latest allegations are expected to heighten political tensions within Burkina Faso and the wider West African region.

Culled from: BBC Africa