Plot To Assassinate Captain Ibrahim Traoré

As reported by the BBC, a plot to assassinate Burkinabe's interim president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has been foiled. The elaborate plan originated with Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, the officer who was dismissed by Traoré in September 2022, the security minister said in a late-night televised address. What happened? On the night of January 3-4, 2026, authorities announced that a plot had been uncovered. According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, the aim was to assassinate Traoré and other high-ranking civilian and military figures. The plan was to either attack Traoré directly or plant explosives at his residence. The government identified Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba (the former leader whom Traoré himself ousted in 2022) as the mastermind. He is believed to have coordinated and financed the operation from Ivory Coast. Security forces stated that they have the situation under control. Several suspects have already been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing. This is not the first time Traoré has reported such plans. Since taking power in September 2022, there have been numerous reports of foiled attacks (some sources speak of over 20 attempts). A larger plot involving soldiers and foreign actors was also reported in the spring of 2025. Traoré regularly accuses Ivory Coast of harboring masterminds and destabilizing the region, severely straining diplomatic relations. And who has an interest in overthrowing Ibrahim Traoré? Damiba is just a pawn; the French and the US are behind him. Damiba is just a puppet. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyz4dzyq7po