Above photo: The top photo is Paul Henri Damiba, the alleged coup plotter and mastermind.
With foreigners reportedly arrested in connection to the plot.
An alleged attempt to destabilize the Burkinabe government, orchestrated from Lomé in Togo 
by former Burkinabe transitional president Paul Henri Damiba, was thwarted on the night of Saturday, January 3, 2026, by the defense and security forces, according to multiple sources.
According to various sources, well-placed security sources, an operation aimed at overthrowing Burkina Faso’s institutions, were about to be launched on Saturday, January 3, around 11:00 PM GMT. The operation was foiled thanks to the arrest of the alleged mastermind of the plot.
Analysis of his phone reportedly revealed evidence deemed “highly compromising” by investigators. According to the same sources, this latest attempt to destabilize Burkina Faso’s progressive and popular revolution was organized and financed by well-known figures. The name of former Transitional President Paul Henri Damiba is being mentioned repeatedly. He is believed to have been residing in Togo since his fall from power, from where he allegedly coordinated the operation with accomplices within the country. Several business operators implicated in the affair have also reportedly been arrested.
According to various sources, the plan foiled last night specifically targeted the assassination of the drone base commander, a manoeuvre intended to weaken the national security apparatus. The objective would have been to subsequently allow mercenaries and terrorist groups, positioned outside the country, to cross borders and attack state installations. These actions reportedly benefited from external support, with certain Western countries suspected of having promised air cover to bomb strategic military targets and thus facilitate the overthrow of President Ibrahim Traoré’s regime.
The authorities have not yet officially commented on this matter.
