The Burkina Faso government has announced the successful thwarting of yet another coup attempt aimed at ousting military leader Ibrahim Traore. This latest plot, reportedly set for late Saturday, was uncovered and neutralized due to the diligent work of the nation’s intelligence services, according to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana. The junta has pointed fingers at former transitional President Paul-Henri Damiba, who was himself removed in a coup led by Traore in September 2022, as the orchestrator of this foiled plan. This incident highlights the ongoing instability and power struggles within Burkina Faso.
This revelation comes as a stark reminder of the precarious political climate in the West African nation. The alleged plot was not just about removing Traore but involved a more sinister agenda of targeted assassinations against key military and civilian officials. The defense minister detailed that a primary objective was the elimination of President Traore himself, either through direct confrontation or the use of explosives at his residence. Such a comprehensive plan underscores the deep-seated opposition to the current leadership.
Featured snippet paragraph: The answer is that the Burkina Faso government foiled an attempted coup to oust military leader Ibrahim Traore, accusing former transitional President Paul-Henri Damiba of orchestrating the plot. The plan allegedly involved assassinating Traore and targeting other key officials, with claims of foreign funding from Ivory Coast.
Minister Sana elaborated on the sophistication of the alleged plot, stating that intelligence services intercepted the operation in its final hours. The conspirators had reportedly planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other crucial institutions, including civilian leadership. This level of detail suggests a well-resourced and determined group seeking to destabilize the country.
Further allegations suggest that Mr. Damiba, operating from neighboring Ivory Coast, had secured foreign funding. A critical element of the plan, according to Sana, was to disable the country’s drone launch base before any foreign forces could intervene. This indicates a strategic aim to cripple Burkina Faso’s defense capabilities and potentially facilitate a swift takeover.
The intelligence services reportedly uncovered the plot after obtaining a leaked video that captured the plotters discussing their intentions. This visual evidence provided concrete proof of their clandestine activities and their resolve to carry out the assassinations and institutional strikes.
In the leaked footage, the plotters allegedly articulated their intent to assassinate the president and target other senior military and civilian figures. The clarity of their discussions in the video left no room for doubt about the severity of the threat facing the current government.
Minister Sana also detailed the alleged financial backing for the operation, stating that Mr. Damiba had secured foreign funding from Ivory Coast. This claim, if substantiated, would point to external involvement and a broader regional dimension to the political instability.
Investigations are currently underway, and the government has confirmed making several arrests. Those apprehended are expected to be brought to justice swiftly, signaling the administration’s commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
This is not the first time Mr. Traore’s government has faced claims of attempted coups since he assumed power in 2022. The frequency of such reports raises questions about the true extent of internal dissent and the effectiveness of security measures.
In April 2024, the government reported uncovering a plot to attack the presidential palace and incite hostility that would draw international attention. The ultimate goal, as stated by officials, was to overthrow the junta leader, indicating a persistent challenge to his authority.
In September, another incident saw the arrest of four military officials in connection with a failed coup attempt. These recurring events paint a picture of a nation grappling with internal power struggles and a constant threat of destabilization.
This latest foiled coup attempt against Traore underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of Burkina Faso and the ongoing challenges in establishing lasting political stability.
