Togo extradites ex-Burkina leader Damiba amid alleged plot against Traoré
In a statement, Togo’s justice ministry said Damiba was transferred on Saturday under assurances from Burkina Faso that his “physical integrity” would be protected and that he would receive a fair trial, with no risk of the death penalty.
Togo says it has handed over Burkina Faso’s former military leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, to authorities in Ouagadougou after the current government accused him of involvement in a plot targeting Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
In a statement, Togo’s justice ministry said Damiba was transferred on Saturday under assurances from Burkina Faso that his “physical integrity” would be protected and that he would receive a fair trial, with no risk of the death penalty.
Burkina Faso’s military authorities have linked Damiba—who has been living in Togo since he was ousted in 2022—to attempts to destabilise the state, including allegations connected to an assassination or coup plot against Traoré. Reuters reported that sources said Damiba was arrested and then expelled to Burkina Faso following those claims.
Togo’s justice ministry said Damiba is also wanted on a range of alleged offences, including criminal embezzlement of public funds and other financial crimes.
Damiba seized power in January 2022, overthrowing elected President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, but was himself removed about eight months later by Traoré, who accused him of failing to improve security.
No public response from Damiba to the allegations has been reported.
