Former Burkina Faso leader Paul-Henri Damiba has been extradited from Togo to face a raft of charges, including allegations of plotting to overthrow the country’s current military leadership, authorities said.
Damiba, who briefly ruled Burkina Faso after seizing power in January 2022, was arrested in Lomé on 16 January and handed over to Burkinabè authorities the following day, according to official statements.
The extradition follows accusations that Damiba orchestrated a coordinated plot to assassinate Burkina Faso leader Ibrahim Traoré and destabilise the government. Security services say the alleged conspiracy, uncovered in early January 2026, was aimed at undermining the military leadership and disrupting key security and government infrastructure in Ouagadougou.
Damiba’s eight-month presidency ended in September 2022 when he was ousted by Traoré in another military coup. He had come to power promising to stem jihadist violence and restore security, but his tenure failed to reverse worsening instability. After his removal, he fled to Togo, where he remained in exile for more than three years.
Since then, Burkina Faso’s military authorities have repeatedly accused Damiba of directing destabilisation efforts from abroad. Officials allege the January plot included financial inducements to serving officers, including a senior air force captain who reportedly confessed to receiving about £11,000 to coordinate helicopter deployments and targeted attacks. Several suspects have since appeared in televised confessions, outlining plans to disrupt government operations in the capital.
In addition to the coup-related allegations, authorities say Damiba faces charges linked to alleged financial misconduct, including embezzlement, corruption and money laundering, as well as incitement-related offences. Officials say the case represents at least the third alleged attempt to undermine the government attributed to him since his exile.
Togo’s Court of Appeal approved the extradition after Burkina Faso provided assurances regarding Damiba’s physical safety, dignity, access to a fair trial and protection from the death penalty. The move highlights strengthening judicial cooperation between the two countries and has been interpreted by analysts as reflecting Lomé’s closer engagement with Sahel-led regional political groupings.
Public reaction in Burkina Faso has appeared broadly supportive of the extradition, according to local media and official commentary. Authorities say the government has faced repeated security threats since taking power, underscoring the fragile and volatile environment across the Sahel.
As Damiba awaits trial, the case may serve to consolidate Traoré’s authority while fuelling wider debate over internal dissent and alleged external influence in West Africa.
