Burkina Faso’s authorities say they have uncovered and stopped a plot to assassinate President Ibrahim Traoré, accusing neighbouring Ivory Coast of helping to finance the plan.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the military government had intercepted efforts aimed at destabilising the country. He pointed to a leaked video, described as having a military character, which he said showed soldiers preparing to carry out an attack on Captain Traoré.

Sana claimed the alleged plot was led by former President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who was removed from power by Traoré in 2022. According to Sana, Damiba had been mobilising supporters and had secured foreign funding, which he alleged was channelled through Ivory Coast.

Burkina Faso has faced several attempted coups since Captain Traoré took power, with the military leadership repeatedly warning of internal and external efforts to undermine its rule.

Neither Damiba nor the Ivorian authorities have commented on the accusations.

The latest claims come at a time of heightened tension in Burkina Faso, as the military government says it remains under threat while grappling with political instability and ongoing security challenges in the wider Sahel region.

–ChannelAfrica–