Burkina Faso Says It Thwarted Coup Plot Against President Traoré

Burkina Faso’s government announced on Tuesday that it had foiled an alleged coup attempt against President Ibrahim Traoré, accusing former transitional leader Lt. Col. Paul‑Henri Sandaogo Damiba of orchestrating the plot, officials said.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana told national television that intelligence services uncovered plans that reportedly included targeted assassinations of military and civilian officials, beginning with an attempt to kill President Traoré or damage his residence.

The alleged plot also involved plans to disable a key military drone base and trigger a ground offensive by external forces, Sana said, adding that soldiers and civilians had been recruited to support the takeover.

Authorities identified Damiba as the main suspect, alleging he was responsible for planning, financing and recruiting for the operation. Arrests and investigations into the matter are ongoing, the minister said, and those involved will face prosecution.

The government assured the public that the situation was under control and called for calm following the announcement. Social media reports earlier this weekend had circulated claims of unrest, prompting local communities to mobilise support for national institutions.

President Traoré came to power in September 2022 after ousting Damiba, who himself had seized authority in a coup the previous year. Political instability has been a recurring challenge in Burkina Faso as the country contends with security threats from various armed groups.