Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, Burkina Faso’s former transitional president and alleged mastermind behind multiple coup attempts in the country, was arrested in neighboring Togo last week, sources revealed Monday. Damiba was reportedly tried in Lome for “attempted destabilisation” before being escorted to the airport for expulsion, with some reports suggesting he could be sent back to Burkina Faso.
Damiba, a former lieutenant-colonel, seized power in January 2022 by ousting President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, only to be overthrown eight months later by Captain Ibrahim Traore. Since his removal, Burkina Faso’s military junta has accused him of plotting several coups and assassination attempts against Traore.
Authorities previously stated that Damiba and his collaborators planned targeted attacks on both civilian and military officials on January 3, including an attempt to neutralize Traore himself. As of late Monday, Burkina Faso’s government had not issued any official comment on the arrest or potential extradition.
The arrest underscores ongoing political instability in Burkina Faso, where military interventions have repeatedly disrupted governance and fueled regional concerns over security and coup plots.
