In a shocking and violent turn of events, the President of Burkina Faso, H.E. Hon. Ibrahim Traorรฉ, has been assassinated inside the presidential palace by his own personal bodyguard, in what appears to be the beginning of a full-scale military coup.
Reports indicate that the bodyguard, who had exclusive access to the president, entered his office early this morning and fired over 20 rounds into the president’s chest, killing him instantly. This brazen act has thrown the nation into chaos.
Immediately after the assassination, the rogue bodyguardโwhose identity remains unconfirmedโdeclared himself in control and issued direct orders for all military and police units across the country to lay down their arms and stand down. Explosions and gunfire have since been reported near military bases and key government buildings, suggesting a coordinated effort to seize control of state power.
Sources close to the palace reveal that President Traorรฉ had previously survived nearly 20 assassination attempts from within his own ranks, pointing to deep divisions within the military leadership. This latest attack, however, appears to have been meticulously planned and ruthlessly executed.