Burkina Faso’s ex-transitional president, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, has been sent back to his country from Togo.
Naijaonpoint reports that Damiba is facing charges of planning several coup attempts while in exile, according to the Burkinabe authorities.
Damiba took control of Burkina Faso in January 2022 but was removed from power nine months later in a coup led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, who now heads the military government.
After fleeing to Togo, Damiba was repeatedly accused by the current military leadership of plotting to overthrow the government and carrying out assassination attempts.
On January 16, Damiba was arrested in Lome following an arrest warrant and extradition request issued by Burkina Faso a few days earlier.
He was handed over to officials in Ouagadougou the following day.
He is facing charges that include corruption, embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, money laundering, and incitement to commit crimes.
Togo’s justice ministry said the extradition was carried out after Burkina Faso assured that Damiba’s safety and right to a fair trial would be protected.
Authorities also noted that he would not face the death penalty despite its recent reinstatement in Burkina Faso for high treason cases.
Since taking power, Traore’s government has said it stopped multiple attempts to destabilize the country.
Earlier this month, authorities claimed to have prevented an assassination plot linked to Damiba. The country has experienced multiple coups over the past four years.