Burkina Faso accuses Côte d’Ivoire of assassination plot
Burkina Faso’s government has accused Côte d’Ivoire of supporting a plot to assassinate its military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The plan was reportedly foiled just hours before it was to be carried out, according to Security Minister Mahamadou Sana. Sana claims the operation involved a network of civilian, military, and foreign actors, and aimed to destabilise the country’s leadership. The allegations have heightened political tensions in Burkina Faso and strained relations with neighbouring countries.
What we know
- Mahamadou Sana said the plot targeted Captain Ibrahim Traoré and other senior officials, aiming to destabilise Burkina Faso’s leadership.
- The operation was allegedly scheduled for the night of January 3 and involved both armed attacks and explosives.
- Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, Burkina Faso’s former military ruler, was accused of being the main architect, with Côte d’Ivoire allegedly providing financial support.
- A businessman, Madi Sakandé, was arrested and reportedly admitted to having contact with Damiba.
- Investigations are ongoing, and several suspects have been detained, while neither Damiba nor the Ivorian government has publicly responded to the accusations.
