Burkina Faso Confirms Extradition of Former Leader Damiba Over Alleged Plot Against President Traoré

Burkina Faso’s authorities have confirmed the extradition of former transitional leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba from neighbouring Togo, following allegations linking him to a failed assassination attempt against President Ibrahim Traoré.

The confirmation was issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Justice, which said Damiba is now the subject of an ongoing judicial investigation opened on 6 January 2026. The inquiry relates to a range of serious criminal allegations.

In an official statement signed by lawyer Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, the ministry said Damiba faces charges including embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, incitement to commit crimes, aggravated handling of stolen property and money laundering. He is also accused of playing a central role in organising an attempted attack on the transitional president.

Damiba’s extradition followed a formal request submitted by Burkinabè judicial authorities to the Togolese government on 12 January, days after officials in Ouagadougou announced they had foiled a plot targeting the head of state.

A former lieutenant colonel, Damiba led Burkina Faso from January to September 2022 before being removed from power in a military takeover led by Captain Traoré. In October 2024, he was formally dismissed from the Burkinabè Armed Forces by presidential decree.

The decree cited what authorities described as particularly serious misconduct, including actions deemed damaging to the dignity and reputation of the military, as well as alleged intelligence collaboration with foreign powers and terrorist groups aimed at undermining national security.

Burkinabè officials say investigations are continuing and that further arrests are expected. Authorities have vowed that all individuals implicated in the case will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.