Burkina Faso authorities say they have successfully stopped a plot to assassinate the country’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed that the scheme was allegedly masterminded by Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, the former leader ousted by Traoré in September 2022. The plan reportedly targeted Traoré and other senior military and civilian officials, with financial backing allegedly coming from neighbouring Ivory Coast.

“Our intelligence services intercepted this operation in the final hours. The plotters intended to assassinate the head of state and then strike other key institutions, including civilian figures,” Sana said during a late-night address.

Authorities said a leaked video revealed the plotters’ plan to kill Traoré either at close range or by planting explosives at his residence on the night of 3 January, before moving on to other high-ranking officials.

Sana further alleged that Damiba had mobilised soldiers and civilian supporters, obtained foreign funding—reportedly 70 million CFA francs ($125,000; £92,000) from Ivory Coast—and planned to disable Burkina Faso’s drone base to prevent foreign intervention.

Several arrests have been made, though the total number of suspects has not been disclosed. “These individuals will be brought to justice soon,” Sana said, assuring the public that the situation is under control and warning against involvement in dangerous schemes.

Since taking power, the 37-year-old Traoré has survived multiple coup attempts and is also dealing with escalating jihadist violence that has displaced millions. Despite his authoritarian image, he enjoys strong popular support and has earned continental attention for his pan-Africanist stance and criticism of Western influence.

Critics, however, accuse Traoré’s government of suppressing dissent, including arbitrary arrests and restrictions on the media. This is not the first time Burkina Faso’s junta has accused Ivory Coast of interfering in the country’s internal affairs.