Reports emerging from Burkina Faso indicate that a coup attempt aimed at toppling the government of President Ibrahim Traoré was foiled late Saturday night, January 3, by the country’s defense and security forces.
According to multiple security sources, the alleged plot was orchestrated from Lomé, Togo, and is believed to have been coordinated by former Burkinabe transitional president Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who has reportedly been in exile in Togo since his removal from power in 2022.
The foiled operation, said to have been planned for around 11:00 p.m. GMT, was intercepted following the arrest of a key suspect, described as the mastermind behind the plot.
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Forensic analysis of the suspect’s mobile phone reportedly revealed “highly compromising” evidence pointing to a broader network of collaborators and sponsors.
Sources claim that the plot aimed to assassinate the commander of Burkina Faso’s drone base, a move seen as critical to disabling the country’s advanced surveillance and defense capabilities.
This would have allegedly opened the way for coordinated attacks on key installations by armed mercenaries and terrorist elements positioned outside the country.
In a troubling development, several prominent business figures within Burkina Faso are said to be implicated in the scheme and have reportedly been taken into custody.
Intelligence sources further suggest that the attempted coup may have received support or encouragement from external actors, including unnamed Western countries allegedly promising air support to strike strategic military sites.
As of now, the Burkinabe government has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
However, the developments have raised significant concerns about national security and regional stability.
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Authorities are expected to provide a briefing in the coming days. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.