By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Ibrahim Traoré Burkina Faso’s military leader |
Burkina Faso’s military government has announced the successful interception of a highly sophisticated coup attempt aimed at assassinating the country’s transitional leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The plot, which security officials claim was in its "final stages," represents one of the most serious threats to the current junta since it took power.
In a dramatic national television broadcast, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed that intelligence services had been monitoring the conspirators for some time. According to Sana, the attackers planned to strike shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3.
The operation allegedly involved two primary options for the assassination: a close-range shooting or the use of explosives planted at Traoré’s private residence.
The Burkinabé authorities claim the conspiracy was not an isolated internal affair but was funded by interests in a neighboring country. While the specific nation was not named in the broadcast, the minister emphasized that foreign backing played a significant role in the logistics of the failed coup.
Key evidence uncovered by the intelligence services included: A leaked video: Plotters were reportedly filmed discussing the mechanics of the assassination and their post-strike strategy.
Targeting of key institutions: Beyond the President, the plotters intended to eliminate senior military officials and influential civilian personalities.
Strategic Sabotage: A primary objective of the group was to disable the national drone-launch base, a move designed to cripple the military's surveillance and strike capabilities and prevent any external intervention.
Minister Sana assured the public that the situation is now under total state control. He urged the population to remain vigilant and warned citizens against being lured into "dangerous schemes" out of naivety.