On April 6, 2025, Burkina Faso’s transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, survived a significant assassination attempt, marking the 18th such incident since he assumed power in 2022. The plot, involving both military personnel and civilians, was thwarted by Traoré’s close protection team before it could be executed citeturn0search9.

Arrests and Foreign Involvement

In the aftermath, several individuals were arrested. Notably, Lieutenant-Colonel Evrard Somda, the former chief of staff of the national gendarmerie, was detained by armed men in Ouagadougou on January 14, 2024. Additionally, Prosper Bassolé, chief adviser to businessman Mahamadou Bonkoungou, was taken from his home on January 15, 2024 citeturn0search5. While these arrests occurred earlier in 2024, they are part of a series of plots against Traoré’s regime.

Regarding foreign nationals, four French citizens were previously arrested in December 2023 on espionage-related charges. They were detained for a year before being released in December 2024 following negotiations mediated by Morocco citeturn0news20. While their arrest predates the April 2025 assassination attempt, it underscores the tense relations between Burkina Faso and foreign entities.

Explosives and Assassination Tactics

Reports indicate that the plotters planned to stage an explosion inside the presidential residence as part of the assassination attempt citeturn0search12. Specific details about the explosives intended for use have not been disclosed publicly.

Regional Implications

This latest attempt highlights the ongoing instability in Burkina Faso and the broader Sahel region. Traoré’s administration has faced multiple threats, both internal and external, as it navigates complex political and security challenges. The involvement of both military and civilian actors in these plots underscores the multifaceted nature of the threats to the current regime.

As the situation develops, further information may emerge regarding the specifics of the assassination attempt and the individuals involved. The resilience of Traoré’s administration in the face of repeated threats continues to shape the political landscape of Burkina Faso.