A fresh coup attempt targeting Burkina Faso’s military leader, President Ibrahim Traoré, was reportedly foiled on January 4, 2026, marking the sixth alleged plot against his government since he assumed office in 2022.
Security sources indicate that the latest attempt was coordinated from neighboring Togo, with investigations revealing the alleged involvement of a former Burkinabé president believed to be seeking a return to power. Authorities say several suspects crossed into Burkina Faso from Togo as part of the operation and were swiftly arrested by national security forces.
According to preliminary findings, the detained suspects reportedly confessed to being recruited and sent to destabilize the current administration, with the aim of overthrowing President Traoré and reinstating the former leader. The Burkinabé government has not officially named the ex-president involved, citing ongoing investigations and regional diplomatic sensitivities.
The announcement of the foiled coup attempt sparked massive spontaneous demonstrations across Ouagadougou and other major cities, as thousands of citizens poured into the streets to publicly affirm their loyalty to President Traoré. Protesters waved national flags, chanted patriotic slogans, and praised the military-led government for what they described as its firm stance against foreign-backed interference.
Many supporters described the attempted coup as an attack on Burkina Faso’s sovereignty, with demonstrators calling for unity and vigilance amid growing regional instability in the Sahel. Social media platforms were also flooded with messages of support for Traoré, with hashtags backing his leadership trending locally.
President Ibrahim Traoré, who came to power in 2022 following a military takeover, has repeatedly accused external actors and former political elites of attempting to undermine his administration. His leadership has been characterized by a strong anti-imperialist stance and closer cooperation with regional military allies.
Security analysts note that the frequency of alleged coup attempts reflects deep political tensions within Burkina Faso, as well as the broader instability facing several West African nations. Despite the repeated threats, Traoré has maintained significant grassroots support, particularly among young people and nationalist groups.
As investigations continue, Burkina Faso’s authorities have vowed to tighten border security and pursue all individuals linked to the plot, insisting that any attempt to reverse the country’s political direction will be firmly resisted.
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