Burkina Faso’s government said Friday it thwarted a “vast conspiracy” earlier this month by forces loyal to ousted leader Blaise Compaore which aimed to seize power.

Some 30 men from the ex-president’s security unit plotted to free prisoners who were part of a September 2015 coup attempt and then attack the presidential palace, said Interior Minister Simon Compaore, who is no relation to the ex-leader.

According to the minister, the coup was planned for October 8 and called for detaining “certain authorities”.

Blaise Compaore was forced from power in October 2014 following a popular uprising against his attempts to change the constitution to remain in office.

The attempted 2015 coup was staged by troops from the presidential guard loyal to the ex-leader but was blocked by street protesters and by the army, which attacked the plotters’ barracks.

AFP