Togo expels former Burkina Faso president amid coup allegations

Togo has arrested and expelled Burkina Faso’s former president, Paul-Henri Damiba, back to his home country after officials there accused him of attempting a coup, two sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

Damiba rose to power in 2022 following a coup against Burkina Faso’s civilian government, which had struggled with escalating attacks by Islamist militants. His inability to curb the militants led to dissatisfaction within the armed forces, resulting in his ouster later that year by Ibrahim Traore, who continues to lead the military-backed government.

Earlier this month, Burkina Faso announced it had disrupted a plot to assassinate Traore, allegedly orchestrated by Damiba, who had been seeking refuge in Togo’s capital, Lome. A security source and a source close to Togo’s presidency confirmed to Reuters that Damiba was arrested on Saturday and flown to Ouagadougou.

Togo later confirmed his extradition, stating that it was in response to a request from Burkina Faso made on January 12. The Togolese statement listed charges against Damiba, including embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, and money laundering, but did not mention any coup plot.

Reuters was unable to reach Damiba for comment, and it was unclear if he had legal representation in Togo. Burkina Faso’s government did not respond to requests for comment. A source close to Togo’s presidency said Damiba had previously been warned about involvement in activities aimed at destabilising Burkina Faso.

Since 2020, West and Central Africa have witnessed nine military coups, with Traore announcing multiple coup attempts since taking power.

Credit: Reuters