Burkina Faso authorities announced the arrest of nine individuals suspected of plotting to assassinate President Ibrahim Traore, the military leader who has governed Burkina Faso since a coup in September 2022. The arrests, made public late on April 11, have heightened tensions in a country already grappling with jihadist violence and political instability.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Security, the suspects-described as a mix of foreign nationals and Burkinabé citizens-were apprehended following intelligence reports of a “sophisticated conspiracy” aimed at destabilising the government. The ministry alleged that the group was planning a targeted attack to eliminate Traoré, whose leadership has polarised opinions due to his hardline stance against insurgency and foreign influence.

“These individuals were caught with evidence of their intent to undermine our sovereignty and eliminate our leader,” the statement read, without disclosing specific details about the evidence or the identities of those arrested. Authorities claimed the plot was orchestrated with external backing, though no countries or organizations were named.

Traoré, a 36-year-old army captain, rose to power after overthrowing his predecessor, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, citing failures to curb jihadist attacks that have plagued Burkina Faso for years. His tenure has been marked by a shift away from traditional Western allies, notably France, and closer ties with Russia and other regional powers. This realignment has drawn both domestic support and international scrutiny, fueling speculation about motives behind the alleged assassination attempt.

The government has not provided a timeline for legal proceedings or further disclosures, but security forces have intensified operations across the capital, Ouagadougou, and other key regions. Posts circulating on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users praising Traore’s leadership and others questioning the timing of the arrests amid ongoing economic and security challenges. However, these claims remain unverified and should be treated with caution.

Burkina Faso’s junta has faced multiple coup attempts and rumoured plots since Traore’s rise, reflecting the fragility of its political landscape. The country remains under a state of emergency as it battles insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, which control swaths of territory in the north and east.

As investigations continue, the government has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, paving the way for a new chapter in Burkina Faso’s turbulent struggle for stability.

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