Burkina Faso’s security agencies say they have uncovered a new plot to assassinate the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, announced the development on Tuesday, alleging that the plan was led by former leader Paul Henri Damiba, who was removed from power in September 2022.
“Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in its final stages. The plan was to assassinate the head of state and then carry out attacks on other strategic targets, including key institutions and civilian figures,” Sana said.
He also claimed that the operation received funding from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
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As at the time of filing this report, neither Damiba nor authorities in Ivory Coast had commented on the allegation.
Following the reported discovery, the government has increased security around key state locations and intensified border checks, especially along the Ivory Coast boundary. Authorities say investigations are ongoing to identify everyone linked to the plan.
Since taking power, the 37-year-old Traoré has faced several reported coup plots while Burkina Faso continues to battle violent insurgency that has displaced millions of people.
In April 2025, officials said another coup attempt involving serving and former soldiers was stopped. The group was accused of planning attacks on the presidential palace and other important areas.
Traoré assumed leadership after toppling Damiba, who had earlier taken power in a January 2022 coup but stayed only a few months in office.
This latest development comes as Burkina Faso continues to deal with insecurity and humanitarian challenges. Despite the situation, Traoré still enjoys support from parts of the population and is seen across sections of Africa as a strong advocate of pan-Africanist views and reduced Western influence.