Burkina Faso’s authorities say they have thwarted an alleged plot to assassinate President Capt Ibrahim Traoré, describing it as a carefully coordinated operation uncovered just hours before it was due to be executed.

In a dramatic late-night address to the nation, Minister for Security Mahamadou Sana announced that intelligence services had intercepted the plan at an advanced stage, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

According to the minister, the operation was orchestrated by former president Lt Col Paul Henri Damiba, who was ousted from power in September 2022.

“Our intelligence services uncovered the plan in its final phase,” Mr Sana said. “The objective was to eliminate the head of state and subsequently attack key institutions and prominent civilian figures.”

He alleged that the conspirators intended to plunge the country into chaos by following the assassination with simultaneous strikes on strategic targets across Burkina Faso. The government further claims the plot was bankrolled from outside the country, with Ivory Coast singled out as the source of funding.

Mr Sana accused Lt Col Damiba of securing approximately 70 million CFA francs—around $125,000 (£92,000)—from networks operating in Ivorian territory to finance the operation. Neither the former Burkinabe leader nor the Ivorian authorities have publicly responded to the accusations.

Security officials say arrests are ongoing and investigations remain active. “All those involved will face justice,” the minister assured, stressing that the situation is firmly under control.

Authorities also claim to be in possession of a leaked video allegedly showing the suspects discussing plans to kill Capt Traoré, either by planting explosives at his residence or carrying out a close-range attack.

The minister added that the group also intended to sabotage the country’s drone-launch facility ahead of the assassination.

Since seizing power, Capt Traoré has navigated a turbulent political landscape. His military-led government has reportedly survived at least two previous coup attempts, even as the country battles extremist violence that has displaced millions.

At 37, the president commands notable support among sections of the population and has cultivated an image as a pan-Africanist leader outspoken against Western influence in the region. However, critics accuse his administration of tightening its grip on dissent and curbing media freedoms.

The government has called on citizens to remain calm and vigilant, urging them to avoid any actions that could undermine national peace and stability.