The government of
Togo has extradited former Burkina Faso leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba to Ouagadougou to face multiple criminal charges, including corruption, misappropriation of public funds, and money laundering.
According to a statement issued in Lomé and disclosed on Tuesday by security analyst Zagazola Makama via his X handle, Damiba’s extradition followed a formal request submitted by Burkina Faso’s judicial authorities to the government of Togo on January 12, 2026,
Damiba, a Burkinabè national, was arrested in Togo on January 16, 2026, in line with the country’s extradition procedures, after Togolese authorities examined and validated the regularity of the request. He was subsequently remanded in custody pending legal proceedings.
The statement said the extradition request was based on allegations of criminal diversion of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, incitement to commit crimes and misdemeanours, aggravated receipt of stolen property, and laundering of proceeds of crime.
Following the arrest of the former Burkinabe leader, the case was referred to the Investigating Chamber of the Lomé Court of Appeal. After a public hearing held on January 16, the court issued a favourable opinion granting the extradition.
The court’s decision was reportedly based on Burkina Faso’s assurances of reciprocity, applicable international legal instruments to which Togo is a signatory, and guarantees provided by Burkinabè authorities.
The statement said these guarantees include respect for Damiba’s physical integrity and human dignity, protection of his procedural rights, particularly the right to a fair trial, and confirmation that the death penalty would not be applied.
The Togolese government formally handed over Damiba to Burkina Faso on January 17, 2026.
