Burkina Faso’s Former Leader Extradited Amid Assassination Allegations
Togo has extradited Burkina Faso’s former president, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, to his home country after accusations emerged that he plotted to assassinate his successor, Ibrahim Traoré. This significant development raises concerns over stability in a nation already struggling with widespread insecurity and political uncertainty.
Why It Matters
The return of Damiba, an ousted leader facing serious charges, underscores the ongoing turmoil within Burkina Faso’s military and political landscape. As the government contends with a severe security crisis and internal divisions, this situation could exacerbate existing tensions, further complicating efforts to restore order.
Key Developments
- Damiba was handed over to Burkinabè authorities by Togo on Saturday.
- Burkina Faso has committed to safeguarding Damiba’s “physical integrity,” ensuring fair trial rights, and abolishing the death penalty in his case.
- Major accusations against Damiba include criminal embezzlement, corruption, and the orchestration of an assassination plot targeting Traoré.
- Burkina Faso’s government claims to have thwarted several assassination attempts linked to Damiba.
- The current regime has intensified allegations against Damiba, claiming he leads a conspiracy from exile.
Full Report
After being accused of attempting to orchestrate a plot to kill his successor, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was extradited from Togo back to Burkina Faso. The Togolese justice ministry confirmed that Damiba was handed over to Burkinabè authorities on Saturday, as both countries agreed that his basic rights would be preserved during his legal proceedings.
Among the charges against Damiba include severe allegations of conspiracy to commit murder aimed at destabilizing the current regime led by Ibrahim Traoré. Earlier this month, Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana highlighted on state television that security forces had successfully foiled plans allegedly tied to Damiba, calling the attempt a move to “neutralize” the acting leader.
In a formal statement, Togo’s justice ministry outlined the multitude of serious offenses that Damiba faces, including public fund embezzlement and money laundering. As of now, Damiba has not publicly responded to these charges, and attempts by the BBC to secure comments from him have gone unanswered.
Damiba initially rose to power following a coup in January 2022, which toppled the elected government amid escalating concerns regarding the country’s capability to handle Islamist militant violence. However, just eight months later, he was ousted by Traoré, who accused him of failing to improve national security conditions. Since then, Traoré’s junta has adopted a nationalist stance, reinstating the death penalty for various crimes including high treason, while also expelling French military forces from the country.
Context & Previous Events
Burkina Faso has been embroiled in significant security issues, primarily due to a rise in jihadist violence affecting large areas. Damiba’s ascent and subsequent fall highlight a cycle of coups that have contributed to growing instability, with accusations of internal military plots further complicating the situation.
