ISTANBUL — Burkina Faso’s government said late Tuesday that it thwarted a coup attempt against President Capt. Ibrahim Traore, accusing former transitional president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba of orchestrating the plot.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana told national television RTB that the plot, which had been planned for late Saturday, was foiled “thanks to the professionalism of the intelligence services.”

"Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. They had planned to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian personalities," said Sana, further alleging that the plot had been funded from neighboring Ivory Coast.

He said the plan involved a series of targeted assassinations of military and civilian officials, starting with an attempt to kill Traore, either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence.

“After this action, there was to follow an operation to put the drone base out of service, and a ground military intervention by external forces,” he added.

Sana said authorities would name only the main suspect for confidentiality reasons, identifying him as Damiba, whom he said was responsible for planning the operation, raising funds and recruiting both civilians and soldiers.

He added that soldiers involved in the plot were tasked with recruiting other troops and forming operational cells, while civilians were to mobilize supporters to back the takeover after the military action.

The minister said investigations and arrests were ongoing, and all those involved would face the prosecutor and the “full force of the law.”

He reassured the public that the situation was under control, urging them to remain calm.

On Saturday, social media posts about a plot to destabilize Burkina Faso’s institutions prompted people to take to the streets to help stop it.

Amid worsening security, Traore seized power on Sept. 30, 2022, ousting Damiba, who had overthrown President Roch Marc Christian Kabore just eight months before.

Capt Traoré has faced at least two coup attempts and is also grappling with growing insurgency that has forced millions from their homes.

Despite these challenges and his authoritarian reputation, the 37-year-old military leader maintains strong popular support and has gained a following across the continent for his pan-Africanist vision and criticism of Western influence.

According to the security minister, the authorities uncovered a leaked video showing the plotters discussing their plans. — Agencies