Former Burkina Faso Leader Paul-Henri Damiba Extradited from Togo Over Alleged Coup Plot

Former Burkina Faso transitional president Paul-Henri Damiba has been expelled from Togo and handed over to Burkinabé authorities over allegations that he orchestrated a coup attempt against current leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

The Togolese government confirmed the transfer, marking a dramatic development in the political tensions that have continued to shape Burkina Faso since the wave of military takeovers in 2022.

Damiba, who led Burkina Faso between January and September 2022 before being ousted by Traoré, had been living in exile in Lomé after his removal from power.

How Paul-Henri Damiba’s Extradition Unfolded

Security sources indicate that Paul-Henri Damiba has been under interrogation by Burkina Faso’s National Intelligence Agency (ANR) for two weeks following his extradition. Authorities accuse him of masterminding a failed coup attempt allegedly planned for January 3 while he was still residing in Togo.

According to regional intelligence reports, the extradition followed high-level negotiations between the two governments. Burkina Faso’s intelligence chief, Oumarou Yabré, reportedly presented Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé with what officials described as “compelling evidence,” including encrypted communications and a recorded phone conversation dated December.

Sources suggest Paul-Henri Damiba acknowledged the authenticity of the recordings when confronted by Togolese authorities, a development that may have influenced Lomé’s decision to authorize the handover.

The move represents a significant diplomatic shift. Togo had previously been viewed as offering quiet refuge to the former leader after his ousting by Traoré in September 2022. His expulsion signals deeper security cooperation between Ouagadougou and Lomé amid growing instability across the Sahel.

Political and Regional Implications

Damiba’s extradition strengthens Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s position domestically, reinforcing his administration’s zero-tolerance posture toward internal dissent and alleged destabilization efforts.

However, the decision has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles across West Africa. Some regional observers have described the handover as a “dangerous precedent,” warning that it could reshape how political exiles are treated within ECOWAS member states.

The Sahel region has witnessed a series of military transitions in recent years, with Burkina Faso experiencing two coups in 2022 alone. The latest development adds another layer to the evolving power dynamics between former and current military leaders.

For Traoré’s government, the message is clear: attempts to undermine the current administration — whether from within or abroad, will be pursued aggressively.

For West Africa, the episode raises broader questions about asylum, political protection, and the balance between security cooperation and diplomatic norms.

As investigations continue, Paul-Henri Damiba’s fate will likely influence not only Burkina Faso’s internal political stability but also regional security calculations in a Sahel already grappling with insurgency, governance challenges, and shifting alliances.

The Togolese government has confirmed the handover of Henri Damiba to the authorities of Burkina Faso. https://t.co/3Zdkq7vTQ4 pic.twitter.com/Gc5AswXg3r

— Mintel World (@mintelworld) January 20, 2026