Togo has sent former Burkina Faso leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba back to Ouagadougou following accusations by Burkina Faso’s authorities that he was involved in destabilisation efforts, including an alleged plot against President Ibrahim Traoré.

Togolese officials confirmed that Damiba was handed over on Saturday after a formal request from Burkina Faso. In a statement, Togo’s justice ministry said the transfer took place only after Ouagadougou provided guarantees regarding his treatment.

The statement highlighted that Burkina Faso committed to ensuring the “physical integrity, dignity and fair-trial rights of Mr Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, and the absence of the death penalty.” This came in the context of Burkina Faso recently reinstating capital punishment for certain serious crimes, including high treason.

Damiba, who led Burkina Faso for much of 2022 following a military coup, faces multiple charges. According to Togo’s justice ministry, these include “criminal embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, aggravated receiving of stolen goods and money laundering.” There has been no public response from Damiba regarding these charges.

The most serious allegations relate to claims that Damiba orchestrated attempts to destabilise the Traoré-led government from exile. Earlier this month, Burkina Faso’s security minister Mahamadou Sana said authorities had disrupted a network allegedly planning targeted attacks, including what he described as the “neutralisation” of President Traoré.

Officials have repeatedly accused Damiba of being the head of what they call the “military wing” of a broader conspiracy. These claims, first publicly mentioned in late 2024, allege ongoing plotting against Burkina Faso’s leadership, although no assassination or violent act has been proven.

Damiba initially seized power in January 2022, overthrowing the elected government of Roch Marc Christian Kaboré amid growing concern over jihadist attacks. However, his rule lasted less than a year. In September 2022, he was ousted in another coup led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who criticized Damiba’s inability to improve national security.

Since coming to power, Traoré’s government has consolidated control, expelled French forces, pursued a nationalist agenda, and strengthened ties with non-Western partners. Despite these measures, Burkina Faso continues to face widespread militant violence across large areas.

Damiba’s return under custody is expected to heighten tensions within Burkina Faso’s military and political establishment. Analysts note that repeated allegations, foiled plots, and divisions within the armed forces underscore the fragile nature of a government still grappling with both internal rivalries and a persistent insurgency.