Togo extradites ex-Burkina Faso leader Damiba to face corruption charges
By: Zagazola Makama
The Togolese authorities have extradited Mr Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, a Burkinabè national and former leader of Burkina Faso, to Ouagadougou to face multiple criminal charges, including misappropriation of public funds and money laundering.
A statement issued in Lomé said that on Jan. 12, 2026, Togo received a formal extradition request from the judicial authorities of Burkina Faso seeking Damiba’s surrender over alleged offences of criminal diversion of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, incitement to commit crimes and misdemeanours, aggravated receiving of stolen property, and laundering of proceeds of crime.
“After examining the regularity of the request, the competent Togolese authorities gave it the appropriate legal follow-up,” the statement said.
In line with Togolese extradition procedures, Damiba was arrested on Jan. 16, 2026, in execution of the arrest warrant attached to the request, and was subsequently remanded in custody.
The case was then referred to the Investigating Chamber of the Lomé Court of Appeal.
Following a public hearing held on Jan. 16, the court gave a favourable opinion to the extradition request, citing Burkina Faso’s offer of reciprocity, relevant international instruments to which Togo is a party, and assurances provided by Burkinabè authorities.
These guarantees, according to the statement, include respect for Damiba’s physical integrity and dignity, protection of his procedural rights, particularly the right to a fair trial, and confirmation that the death penalty would not apply.
After the court’s favourable opinion, Damiba was formally handed over to the authorities of Burkina Faso on Jan. 17, 2026.
The development marks a major step in cross-border judicial cooperation between Togo and Burkina Faso in the fight against corruption and financial crimes in the region.
