Burkina Faso’s military government says it has stopped a fresh plot to assassinate President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, raising new concerns about security and political stability in the West African country.
According to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, the plan was uncovered at a very late stage and was carefully organized. He said the plot was not only aimed at killing Captain Traoré but also at attacking key state institutions and some civilian figures. The government has accused former military ruler Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba of being behind the plot, with alleged financial support coming from neighbouring Ivory Coast. Both Damiba and the Ivorian authorities have not responded to the claims.
How Ibrahim Traoré Came to Power
Captain Ibrahim Traoré came to power in September 2022 after a military takeover that removed Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba. Damiba himself had taken power earlier that same year, in January 2022, after overthrowing the elected government, blaming it for failing to control Islamist violence.
By September, many soldiers and citizens had grown frustrated with Damiba’s leadership, saying the security situation was getting worse instead of better. Traoré, who was then a young army captain, led a group of officers who removed Damiba and promised a new direction. At just 34 years old, Traoré became one of the youngest leaders in the world.
Since taking power, Captain Traoré has faced repeated threats. Burkinabe authorities say there have been at least two publicly reported assassination plots against him. One was revealed in 2023, and the latest one, announced this week, is described as the most detailed and dangerous so far. Officials say these threats show deep divisions within the military and political class, as well as resistance to Traoré’s leadership style and reforms.
In the face of these threats, Captain Traoré has continued with radical reforms. His administration has a strong nationalist position. This has minimized the need for foreign partners. He has concentrated his efforts on the mining sector. He has focused on gold mining. He has expressed his determination for the wealth of Burkina Faso to benefit its citizens.
Additionally, Traoré has invested in the agricultural sector by promoting food self-sufficiency to cut down on food imports. This is because his government provides the necessary equipment and seeds to the local farmers to promote food self-sufficiency.
On security, Traoré has expanded the recruitment of civilian volunteers to support the army in the fight against armed groups. While the conflict remains serious, the government says it is working toward long-term stability.
Ibrahim Traoré is still a well-liked young leader in Burkina Faso, as well as in parts of Africa, where he is perceived as bold and outspoken in resistance to foreign ownership. However, the regular attempted assassinations demonstrate just how dangerous his role is.
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As Burkina Faso continues to be threatened by insecurity and political turmoil, it will be a defining period for whether President-elect Traoré will be able to withstand these challenges and bring peace and development to his country.
