Ouagadougou: Former President Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, wanted for embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, incitement to commit offenses, aggravated receiving of stolen goods, and money laundering, was extradited on January 17, 2026, to Burkina Faso from Togo, AIB has learned.

According to Burkina Information Agency, a statement from the Minister of Justice, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, dated January 20, 2026, expressed the Burkinabe government's gratitude to the sister Republic of Togo. As a reminder, the Prosecutor of Faso had referred the matter, on January 5, 2026, to the prosecutor's office at the High Court of Ouaga I, reporting the involvement of Mr. Damiba and other civilian and military persons in preparatory acts undermining the safety and security of the State.

These acts would be part of a project to destabilize the country, which occurred after his fall from power in January 2022, as well as serious economic offenses. On January 6, 2026, the investigating judge opened a judicial investigation for criminal embezzlement of public funds, illicit enrichment, corruption, incitement to commit offenses and crimes, aggravated receiving of stolen goods, and money laundering.

On the same date, an international arrest warrant was issued against Mr. Damiba, and an extradition request was sent to the Togolese authorities. The Investigating Chamber of the Court of Appeal of Lom© issued, on January 16, 2026, the judgment No. 013/2026 authorizing the extradition, which was effective on January 17, 2026.