Burkina Faso’s ruling junta has accused foreign powers of being behind a failed attempt to destabilize the West African country.
The transitional government, which took power in a coup in 2022, has struggled to combat rising extremist violence and has faced growing discontent from the population.
Security Minister Mahamadou Sana claimed that individuals residing in Ivory Coast were involved in subversive activities against Burkina Faso.
He alleged a three-phased plot that included attacks on the presidential palace, a military drone base, and an airport.
Sana said the junta had prevented the last two phases of the plot but did not provide evidence to support his claims.
The minister accused junta opponents, including the leader of the 2022 coup, former government ministers, journalists, and Western intelligence of plotting the destabilization attempt.
The junta has faced criticism for its handling of the security crisis and its extension of the transition period.