1. Catchy Headline

Assassination Plot Foiled: How a Leaked Video Saved Burkina Faso’s Leader from a $125,000 Hit Job

2. “Brainx Perspective” (Intro)

At Brainx, we believe this latest assassination attempt is not merely a domestic power struggle; it is a geopolitical earthquake. The alleged involvement of Ivory Coast and the specific targeting of drone infrastructure suggests that the enemies of Captain Ibrahim Traoré are no longer just seeking a change of guard—they are attempting to dismantle the very sovereign architecture of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This development highlights the terrifying fragility of the region, where a single successful strike could plunge millions into chaos.

3. The News (Body)

In a shocking revelation that has put West Africa on high alert, the military government of Burkina Faso has announced the dismantling of a sophisticated plot to assassinate President Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The conspiracy, allegedly masterminded by former leader Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, was set to unfold on the night of Saturday, January 3, 2026.

The details, released by Security Minister Mahamadou Sana in a late-night broadcast, paint a picture of a well-funded, multi-pronged attack designed to decapitate the nation’s leadership and cripple its defense capabilities.

The “Night of Terror” That Never Was

According to intelligence reports, the plotters had designated the window just after 23:00 local time on January 3 as “H-Hour.” The plan was ruthless in its simplicity and scope:

• The Kill Zone: Assassins intended to strike Captain Traoré either at close range during a scheduled movement or by detonating pre-planted explosives at his private residence.
• The Second Wave: Immediately following the assassination, the attackers planned to liquidate a pre-selected list of senior military officers, intelligence chiefs, and key civilian figures loyal to the Junta.
• The Drone Blackout: Perhaps the most tactical element of the plot was a simultaneous strike on the country’s primary drone-launch base. By knocking out Burkina Faso’s aerial surveillance and strike capabilities, the plotters aimed to blind loyalist forces and prevent a rapid counter-attack against the insurgents.

The Damiba Connection: A Rivalry Reborn

The government has squarely placed the blame on Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the man Traoré ousted in September 2022.

• The Mastermind: Damiba, currently in exile, is accused of orchestrating the entire operation from abroad. Minister Sana alleged that Damiba mobilized a network of disaffected soldiers and civilians to execute the coup.
• The Funding: The operation was reportedly fueled by a transfer of 70 million CFA francs ($125,000; £92,000). This relatively small sum for a coup d’état suggests the plot relied on deep internal betrayal rather than massive mercenary armies.

The Ivory Coast Allegation: A Diplomatic Firestorm

The most explosive aspect of the announcement is the direct accusation against neighboring Ivory Coast.

• Safe Haven: The Junta alleges that the funds and logistical support flowed from Ivory Coast, a country Traoré’s supporters often criticize as a bastion of Western/French influence in the region.
• Regional Split: This accusation deepens the chasm between the pro-sovereignty Alliance of Sahel States (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger) and the traditional ECOWAS bloc led by nations like Ivory Coast and Nigeria.

The Smoking Gun: Leaked Video Evidence

The plot was not foiled by chance, but by interception. Intelligence services reportedly obtained a leaked video of the conspirators discussing the final operational details.

• The Tapes: In the footage, the plotters are heard discussing the “close range” execution method and the timing of the explosives.
• The Arrests: Based on this intelligence, security forces launched a pre-emptive strike, arresting multiple individuals in the final hours before the operation could commence. “We are carrying out ongoing investigations… These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” Minister Sana declared.

Context: A Leader Under Siege

Captain Traoré, just 37 years old, has become a polarizing icon. To his supporters, he is a “Thomas Sankara” figure—a young, anti-imperialist hero fighting for true independence. To his critics, he is an authoritarian tightening his grip on power.

• Jihadist Threat: The coup attempt comes as Traoré struggles to contain a jihadist insurgency that controls large swathes of the country. The plotters likely hoped to exploit this insecurity, arguing that Traoré has failed to deliver the safety he promised.
• Survival Instinct: This is at least the third major attempt to topple Traoré since he took power. His ability to repeatedly purge disloyal elements and uncover plots has only added to his mystique as an untouchable survivor.

4. “Why It Matters” (Conclusion)

For the common man in Ouagadougou, this news is a double-edged sword. While it proves the government’s intelligence apparatus is sharp, it also reveals that the threat of civil war is never far away. If internal fractures continue to be exploited by external money, Burkina Faso risks sliding from a state of emergency into a state of total collapse, leaving millions of civilians caught in the crossfire of generals.