Burkina Faso’s military government says it has uncovered and thwarted a plot to assassinate President Ibrahim Traore and destabilise the country.

In a statement, the country’s security minister, Mahamadou Sana, alleged the plan was orchestrated by a former national leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, who was overthrown by Captain Traore in a coup in 2022.

Mr Sana claimed the plot was financed from neighbouring Ivory Coast, repeating long-standing accusations by the authorities in Ouagadougou that foreign actors are backing attempts to undermine the regime.

Ivory Coast has not responded to the allegations, and there has been no comment from Lieutenant-Colonel Damiba.

Captain Traore’s government says it has faced several coup attempts since he took power, with officials frequently pointing the finger at Ivory Coast, accusations which Abidjan has previously denied.