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The Burkina Faso government has confirmed that a coup attempt was foiled over the past weekend, following days of speculation and reports circulating on social media.
Initial information about the failed plot was first shared by sources close to the authorities. On Tuesday, the government officially broke its silence, confirming that an attempted coup did take place and that arrests are ongoing.
Damiba Named as Alleged Mastermind
According to official sources, former President Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the plot. Security agencies say investigations are still underway to uncover the full network involved.
₣70 Million CFA Francs Allegedly Used for Financing
In a video broadcast on state television, a man presented as a suspected accomplice claimed he travelled to Côte d’Ivoire, where he allegedly obtained ₣70 million CFA francs to help finance the operation.
Government Details Planned Operation
In a statement aired on RTB, the national broadcaster, the Minister of National Security and Divisional Commissioner of Police, Mahamadou Sana, provided details of the alleged plot, which had dominated online discussions over the weekend.
According to Sana, the coup attempt was scheduled for January 3, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m.
“An action to destabilize the country was planned for the night of January 3, 2026,” he said.
Targeted Assassinations Allegedly Planned
Sana further alleged that the plotters planned a series of targeted assassinations against both civilian and military authorities.
“The operation was to begin with the neutralization of Comrade Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Head of State and President of Faso, either at close range or through an attack targeting his residence,” he stated.
External Military Intervention Alleged
According to the minister, the plan also included disabling the country’s drone base, followed by a ground military intervention involving external forces, though no country or group was named.
The government says security forces successfully thwarted the plot and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding national stability.
