Togo extradites former Burkina Faso leader Damiba over alleged plot to kill Traoré

Togo confirmed the extradition in a statement on January 19, saying it acted on a formal request from Burkina Faso submitted on January 12.

Authorities in Ouagadougou are pursuing Damiba over a list of serious allegations. These include misappropriation of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, incitement to commit crimes, aggravated receiving of stolen goods, and money laundering. However, the most significant charge involves an alleged plan to assassinate Captain Traoré.

Togo’s justice ministry said it reviewed the request and followed the country’s legal procedures for extradition. 

The statement noted that Burkina Faso gave certain guarantees, including respect for Damiba’s rights, a fair trial, protection of his physical integrity and dignity, and a confirmation that he would not face the death penalty.

“The extradition was approved after Burkina Faso provided guarantees based on reciprocity, international legal instruments Togo is a party to, and assurances that Damiba’s rights would be respected during the process, including a fair trial, protection of his physical integrity and dignity, and confirmation that he would not face the death penalty,” the statement read.

Damiba was arrested on January 16 and transferred to Burkinabè authorities the next day, January 17.

Earlier this month, Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said in a television broadcast that a planned coup had been foiled. He said the attempt, aimed at killing Captain Traoré, was scheduled for the night of January 3. The minister accused Damiba of being the mastermind and added that 70 million CFA francs (about £92,000) had come from Côte d’Ivoire to fund the plan.

Burkina Faso officials have accused Damiba multiple times of plotting from exile. In late 2024, he was named as the head of what they called the “military wing” of a wider conspiracy.

Damiba had seized power in January 2022 by ousting President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, citing the government’s failure to stop Islamist violence. But eight months later, in September 2022, he was overthrown by Traoré.

Since then, Traoré’s military government has strengthened its hold on power. It has removed French troops, adopted a more nationalist direction, and reinstated the death penalty, including for high treason.