The Burkina Faso military government has announced that a coup plot to assassinate its leader, Captain Ibrahim Traore has been foiled.
According to the security minister, Mahamadou Sana, in a late-night statement, explained that Lt Col Damiba, who was ousted by Traore in Sept 2022, masterminded the plot.
“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,” said Mahamadou Sana, further alleging that the plot had been funded from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
However, neither Col Damiba nor Ivory Coast has commented on the matter, according to the BBC.
Since seizing power, Capt Traoré has faced at least two coup attempts and is also grappling with growing jihadist violence that has forced millions from their homes.
Despite these challenges and his authoritarian reputation, the 37-year-old military leader maintains strong popular support and has gained a following across the continent for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.
According to the security minister, a video was leaked by the authority where the plotters were discussing their plans.
In the footage, the individuals allegedly discussed plans to assassinate the president, either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence, scheduled for approximately 23:00 local time on Saturday, 3 January.
The BBC reports that the plot involved targeted assassinations of military and civilian officials.
Sana claimed Damiba got soldiers and civilians on board, secured foreign funding (including 70m CFA francs/$125,000 from Ivory Coast), and aimed to take out the country’s drone base before outside forces intervened.
“We are carrying out ongoing investigations and have made several arrests. These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” the minister said on national television.
However, Sana assured the situation is under control, urging citizens to remain vigilant and avoid being drawn into destabilizing activities.
However, the number of arrests made by the Traore-led junta is unclear.
Col Damiba, who led Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 after a coup, wished his successor well in a social media post after being removed from office.
Sana also said authorities would name only the main suspect for confidentiality reasons, identifying him as Damiba, whom he said was responsible for planning the operation, raising funds and recruiting both civilians and soldiers.
He added that soldiers involved in the plot were tasked with recruiting other troops and forming operational cells, while civilians were to mobilize supporters to back the takeover after the military action.
The minister said investigations and arrests were ongoing, and all those involved would face the prosecutor and the “full force of the law.”
BBC
