Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso's new young military leader turned interim president, is all the meanwhile still at the center of all the political turmoil. Since he deposed the government in September 2022, he's had coup attempts and attempted assassination plots made against him, but still manages to remain in power. This case study explores his background, attempted assassination, how he survived it, and what these plots are worth for Burkina Faso.
/*Rise to Power and Background*/
Born on March 14, 1988, in Kéra, Traoré joined the Burkinabé military in 2009, advancing through upper-echelon Cobra special units and serving UN peacekeeping in Mali. In September 2022, he brought junior officers to topple interim leader Paul-Henri Damiba, proclaiming himself transitional president by early October. The world's youngest head of state at 34, he stepped into the role as a symbol of anti-Western resolve, expelling French forces and turning toward Russia.
/*Coup and Assassination Plot Attempts*/
On 26 September 2023, coup plots were orchestrated by dissident officers, who also serve as commanders of special forces. The plot was quickly foiled, and four of the conspirators were apprehended. Gunfire near Traoré's residence and around state media headquarters heightened concerns, but he appeared on national television afterwards to deny the rumors.
On 30 April 2025, Traoré's regime announced a "major plot" from the Ivory Coast to depose him. Thousands turned out in Ouagadougou, supporting him, waving Russian and Burkina Faso flags, a report by AP said. Traoré credited the discovery of the plot to loyal intelligence agents.
/*How He Survived and Retained Power*/
Traoré remained in power through a combination of military loyalty, intelligence vigilance, and popular support. Since the September 2023 shooting near the palace and mutiny rumors, he "was here" and stood down to the nation in a live television broadcast, assuring no mortals were harmed. In April 2025, his announcement of having "thwarted" another scheme called forth mass protests, cementing civilian and military support. Reuters analysts cite the regime's consolidation through strategic arrests and cabinet realignments.
/*Casualties, Human Impact, and Context*/
Even while Traoré survived to tell the story with no physical harm, the brutality in such plots has been unprecedented. Over 100 soldiers died in a June 2024 jihadist assault on the Niger border, and indiscriminate rocket fire on state media injured several. The 2023 coup attempt led to multiple arrests but scant reported casualties. Human rights groups report mounting abuses, abductions, and enforced censorship rise under the junta.