Burkina Faso junta foils coup plot targeting Traore assassination
Burkina Faso's military government says it has foiled another attempted coup that planned to assassinate junta leader Ibrahim Traore. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced on Tuesday that the plot, set for late Saturday, was intercepted by intelligence services.
The junta accused former transitional President Paul-Henri Damiba of orchestrating the plan, which allegedly involved targeted assassinations of military and civilian officials. Traore overthrew Damiba in September 2022, eight months after Damiba himself had ousted elected president Roch Kaboré.
According to officials, the plotters intended to kill Traore either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence. The plan also targeted key institutions and senior figures. The defence ministry claims the plot was funded from neighbouring Ivory Coast and discovered through a leaked video showing plotters discussing their plans.
Additionally, authorities allege Damiba planned to disable the country's drone-launch base before foreign intervention. Officials say several arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing, with suspects to be brought to justice soon. This marks at least the third claimed coup attempt against Traore's government since 2022, following reported plots in April and September 2024.