Details about how Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the president of Burkina Faso, survived his alleged 18th assassination attempt are scarce, as no official, verified reports provide a comprehensive account of the specific incident.
However, based on available information about his leadership and the volatile context in Burkina Faso, we can piece together a general understanding of how he might have endured this reported attempt, which occurred recently before April 7, 2025.
Traoré, who seized power in a military coup in September 2022, has faced persistent threats to his life and rule, with reports suggesting multiple assassination attempts—up to 18 by some counts—stemming from both internal dissent and external pressures.
The most recent attempt, noted around early April 2025, aligns with a pattern of instability in the country, where extremist violence, political rivalries, and foreign interests intersect. While specific details of the 18th attempt are not fully documented in credible sources, it’s reported that he emerged unharmed, consistent with his survival of previous incidents.
His survival can be attributed to several factors. First, Traoré maintains a strong security apparatus, including loyal military units and personal guards, which have been critical in thwarting attacks. For instance, past attempts, such as one in December 2022, were foiled by quick responses from his security detail.
Second, his administration has actively cracked down on dissent, arresting suspected plotters—such as the four soldiers detained in January 2024 for a suspected coup—and maintaining vigilance against military factions that might oppose him. Third, his alliance with foreign powers, notably Russia, has bolstered his regime with additional resources and possibly intelligence support, helping to counter threats from jihadist groups and rival political forces.
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Traoré has publicly condemned such attacks as assaults on the nation’s stability, often framing them as orchestrated by “enemies of peace”—a narrative that may include domestic opposition, extremist groups, or Western powers he has openly criticized. His survival strategy also appears to involve public resilience; after each attempt, he has reassured citizens of his commitment to continue leading, as seen in statements following earlier incidents in October 2024.
Without specific details on the method of the 18th attempt—whether it involved gunfire, explosives, or betrayal from within—it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact means of his escape. Speculations have it that there was gunfire everywhere in the recent attempt.
However, his track record suggests a combination of proactive security measures, rapid response to threats, and perhaps sheer luck or timing have kept him alive through 18 reported brushes with death.
The lack of concrete official confirmation about this latest event leaves room for speculation, but his continued leadership as of April 7, 2025, underscores his ability to navigate Burkina Faso’s treacherous political landscape.
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