Togo Expels Former Burkina Faso Leader Over Assassination Plot Against Current Military Ruler
Lomé, 21 January 2026
Burkina Faso’s former transitional president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has been arrested in Togo and extradited back to his homeland following accusations of orchestrating multiple assassination plots against current military leader Ibrahim Traoré. Damiba, who seized power in a January 2022 coup before being ousted eight months later by Traoré, allegedly masterminded a planned attack on 3 January 2026 targeting the current junta leader.
Swift Cross-Border Security Action
Togo’s justice ministry confirmed on 20 January 2026 that Damiba had been handed over to Burkinabé authorities the previous Saturday, following an extradition request received on 12 January 2026 [2][3]. The former leader was arrested in Lomé on 17 January 2026, according to security sources and those close to Togo’s presidency [3]. As part of the extradition agreement, Burkina Faso provided guarantees ensuring Damiba’s “physical integrity, dignity and fair-trial rights” and confirmed “the absence of the death penalty” [2].
Extensive Criminal Charges Beyond Coup Plotting
The charges against Damiba extend far beyond the assassination plot allegations. According to Togo’s justice ministry statement, he faces accusations of “criminal embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, aggravated receiving of stolen goods and money laundering” [2]. The current military government in Burkina Faso has also charged him with “incitement to commit offences and crimes” and “aggravated concealment” [7]. These financial crimes allegations suggest a broader pattern of misconduct during his brief tenure in power.
Details of the Foiled January Assassination Plot
Burkina Faso’s Security Minister Mahamadou Sana announced on state television earlier this month that security forces had successfully disrupted a planned series of targeted assassinations aimed at destabilising the state [2]. The plot, scheduled for 3 January 2026, allegedly involved the “neutralisation” of current leader Ibrahim Traoré and other senior civilian and military figures [1][8]. Several alleged conspirators have appeared on state television, claiming they acted on orders from Damiba, with security officials stating the plan included eliminating senior junta leaders and disabling a key drone base [4]. Some financing for the operation has reportedly been traced back to Côte d’Ivoire, though that country denies involvement [4].
Broader Regional Security Implications
This incident occurs against a backdrop of unprecedented political instability across West and Central Africa, where nine military coups have taken place since 2020 [3]. Traoré himself has announced multiple coup attempts since assuming power in September 2022, highlighting the ongoing internal security challenges facing his administration [3]. The successful cooperation between Togo, an ECOWAS member state, and Burkina Faso, which quit the regional bloc in 2025 alongside Niger and Mali to form the Alliance of Sahel States, demonstrates that security concerns can transcend current political divisions [7]. For refugees and displaced populations in the region, this development signals continued political volatility that could affect border security and humanitarian access, particularly given the ongoing jihadist insurgency that has already displaced millions across the Sahel [GPT].