Burkina faso: Burkina Faso's government announced late Tuesday that it successfully thwarted an alleged coup attempt against President Capt. Ibrahim Traore. The government accused Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the former transitional president, of orchestrating the plot.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana revealed on national television RTB that the plot, which was scheduled for late Saturday, was intercepted due to the proficiency of the intelligence services. The plan allegedly aimed at a series of targeted assassinations of military and civilian officials, beginning with an attempt to assassinate Traore, either directly or by planting explosives at his residence.

Sana further explained that following the assassination attempt, there was a plan to disable a drone base, which would have been followed by a ground military intervention by external forces. He indicated that the authorities have named only the main suspect for confidentiality reasons, identifying him as Damiba. Damiba is accused of planning the operation, raising funds, and recruiting both civilians and soldiers.

The minister stated that soldiers involved in the plot were responsible for recruiting additional troops and forming operational cells, while civilians were meant to mobilize support for the takeover following the military action. Sana mentioned that the media would be provided with confession videos from some key actors involved in the plot.

He assured that investigations and arrests are ongoing, with all involved parties expected to face the prosecutor and the full extent of the law. Sana urged the public to remain calm, reassuring them that the situation is under control.

On Saturday, social media posts about a plot to destabilize Burkina Faso's institutions led to public demonstrations aimed at preventing the coup. Traore had seized power on September 30, 2022, ousting Damiba, who had overthrown President Roch Marc Christian Kabore just eight months prior.