Burkina Faso Authorities Foil Assassination Plot Against Military Leader, Traoré

Thursday January 8, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

Burkina Faso authorities say they have foiled an assassination plot targeting the country’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in what officials described as a coordinated attempt to destabilise the transitional government.

The disclosure was made on January 7, 2026, by the Minister of Security, Mahamadou Sana, who said intelligence and security agencies uncovered the plot during ongoing counter-subversion operations.

He said the plan had reached an advanced stage before it was disrupted.

According to Sana, the alleged conspiracy involved plans to assassinate Traoré and carry out simultaneous attacks on strategic military and civilian targets, with the aim of creating unrest and triggering a power grab.

Several suspects have been arrested, while investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend other alleged collaborators.

The minister said those implicated include both military personnel and civilians, with alleged external backing traced to neighbouring countries.

He also accused former transitional president, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who was ousted from power in September 2022, of links to the plot. Damiba has not publicly responded to the allegation.

Following the announcement, security has been tightened around key government buildings, military facilities and other sensitive locations in Ouagadougou, while border surveillance has also been reinforced.

Authorities urged citizens to remain calm, assuring them that the situation is under control and that state institutions remain stable.

Traoré has led Burkina Faso since September 2022 after taking power amid worsening insecurity linked to militant violence.

His administration has previously reported several attempts to undermine the military-led government, underscoring persistent political and security tensions in the country.

Investigations are ongoing, and authorities say those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.