Burkina Faso's military junta announced that it had foiled a plot to assassinate the country's leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana stated in a late-night broadcast that the plan was intercepted by intelligence services in its final stages. According to Sana, the plot involved assassinating the head of state and attacking key institutions, including civilian figures.
The junta alleged that Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba, the military officer ousted by Traoré in September 2022, orchestrated the assassination attempt. Sana further claimed that the plot was funded from neighboring Ivory Coast. As of now, there has been no official response from either Damiba or the Ivorian government regarding these accusations.
Traoré, who seized power in a coup in September 2022, has faced at least two coup attempts since then. He also grapples with escalating jihadist violence within Burkina Faso, which has displaced millions of people. Despite these challenges and criticisms of his authoritarian style, the 37-year-old military leader maintains considerable popular support within Burkina Faso and has garnered a following across the African continent for his pan-Africanist stance.
The political instability in Burkina Faso reflects a broader trend in the Sahel region of West Africa, where several countries have experienced coups and are struggling with Islamist insurgencies. The region's instability has drawn international concern, with various actors seeking to mediate and stabilize the area. Burkina Faso's strategic importance in the region makes its internal security a matter of concern for neighboring countries and international powers alike. The alleged involvement of external actors, such as Ivory Coast, could further complicate the situation and strain regional relations.
The Burkinabé government has not released further details about the foiled assassination plot or any potential arrests made in connection with it. The investigation is reportedly ongoing, and the government has assured the public that measures are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the head of state and key institutions.
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