Burkinabé authorities have arrested nine individuals suspected of orchestrating a plot to assassinate President Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s military leader, in what officials describe as a sophisticated attempt to destabilize the nation’s leadership.
The arrests, announced late by the Ministry of Security, involve both foreign nationals and local citizens.
The ministry claimed the suspects were part of a coordinated conspiracy aimed at eliminating President Traoré and undermining national sovereignty. While specific identities and evidence have not been publicly disclosed, officials said intelligence services uncovered the plot before it could be executed.
“These individuals were caught with evidence of their intent to undermine our sovereignty and eliminate our leader,” the statement read, alleging external involvement without naming any specific countries or organizations.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, 36, came to power following a coup in September 2022, ousting Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba amid growing frustration over the government’s failure to quell jihadist violence.
Since then, Traoré’s administration has taken a defiant stance against foreign interference, distancing itself from traditional Western allies, particularly France, and fostering closer ties with Russia and other regional players.
The attempted plot has further strained an already volatile political climate. Burkina Faso remains under a state of emergency, with jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State controlling large areas in the north and east. The government has intensified security operations in the capital and other strategic locations in the wake of the arrests.
Public reaction has been mixed. While some citizens and commentators on social media platform X have voiced support for Traoré’s leadership, others have expressed skepticism over the timing of the announcement, amid economic hardship and persistent insecurity. These online reactions remain unverified.
This latest development adds to a series of coup attempts and power struggles that have plagued the country since Traoré’s ascent. Authorities are urging citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious activities as investigations into the alleged plot continue.