Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the plan was orchestrated by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the former military leader who was overthrown by Traoré in September 2022.
Speaking during a late-night national broadcast, Sana alleged that the plot was funded from neighbouring Ivory Coast.
“Our intelligence services intercepted the operation in its final hours. The plan was to assassinate the head of state and then attack other key institutions, including civilian personalities,” Sana said.
Authorities claim the plotters intended to kill Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence shortly after 11pm on Saturday, January 3. They allegedly planned further attacks targeting senior military officers and civilians.
According to the minister, investigators uncovered a leaked video showing the suspects discussing the assassination and wider attacks.
“Our intelligence services intercepted the operation in its final hours. The plan was to assassinate the head of state and then attack other key institutions, including civilian personalities,” Sana said.
Authorities claim the plotters intended to kill Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence shortly after 11pm on Saturday, January 3. They allegedly planned further attacks targeting senior military officers and civilians.
According to the minister, investigators uncovered a leaked video showing the suspects discussing the assassination and wider attacks.
Sana further alleged that Damiba mobilised soldiers and civilians, secured foreign funding — including 70 million CFA francs ($125,000) allegedly delivered from Ivory Coast — and planned to disable the country’s drone-launch base to prevent foreign intervention.
Several arrests have been made, though officials did not disclose the exact number. Sana said investigations were ongoing and those involved would be brought to justice.
Neither Damiba nor the Ivorian government has commented on the allegations.
Traoré, who seized power in 2022, has faced at least two coup attempts and continues to battle escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions.
Several arrests have been made, though officials did not disclose the exact number. Sana said investigations were ongoing and those involved would be brought to justice.
Neither Damiba nor the Ivorian government has commented on the allegations.
Traoré, who seized power in 2022, has faced at least two coup attempts and continues to battle escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions.
Despite criticism over authoritarianism and restrictions on dissent, the 37-year-old leader maintains strong domestic support and a growing pan-Africanist following across the continent.
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