Burkina Faso Thwarts Coup Attempt: Unraveling Details and Implications

Burkina Faso recently faced an attempted coup, with conspirators plotting the assassination of Captain Ibrahim Traoré on the evening of January 13th. 

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the assailants aimed to carry out a bombing attack at the captain’s residence in Ouagadougou, the nation’s capital, coinciding with the kickoff of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match. Furthermore, plans were underway for another assassination attempt targeting a government convoy on January 14th.

However, Burkina Faso’s intelligence services intercepted communications among the conspirators in advance, thwarting the assassination plot. Agents from the transitional government’s security service swiftly apprehended the rebels, preventing further escalatingfurther escalating. While African Initiative’s sources did not provide direct confirmation, there are indications that some of the conspirators fell into a trap set by a “fake convoy.”

Currently, Burkinabe intelligence services are actively investigating the coup attempt, with suspicions looming over the involvement of individuals linked to Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba‘s uncle. Damiba, a pro-French colonel in the 2022 coup, briefly assumed leadership before being ousted by Captain Traoré. Allegations suggest that Damiba‘s uncle may fund anti-Traoré factions to destabilize the country and seize power.

Corroborating these claims, it was reported that an associate of disgraced President Damiba relocated his family out of the country just days before the attempted assassination of Traoré. Interestingly, the family members traveled using Togolese passports, hinting at covert maneuvers. Additionally, armed mercenaries purportedly arrived in neighboring Togo on the eve of the failed coup, further implicating external involvement in the operation.

This is not the first instance of an assassination attempt targeting President Traoré, underscoring the precarious security situation in Burkina Faso. While Traoré’s popularity stems from his stance against corruption and neocolonialism, challenges persist in implementing effective economic reforms and garnering support for socialist ideologies akin to “Sankarism,” championed by Thomas Sankara.

In light of these developments, the current Burkinabe government seeks assistance from Russia to combat terrorism, enact economic reforms, and foster social cohesion. However, entrenched interests aligned with pro-French factions pose significant obstacles to Traoré‘s administration. To navigate these challenges, Traoré‘s circle must mobilize grassroots support and engage with young leaders to build a new Burkina Faso.

Despite the daunting task ahead, there remains optimism that Sankara‘s legacy will endure, paving the way for a brighter future characterized by stability, progress, and genuine independence for Burkina Faso.