Is the Ex-President's Extradition to Burkina Faso the Start of a Murder Plot Investigation?

The recent extradition of Burkina Faso's former leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, from Togo back to his home country has raised significant concerns about the political stability and security situation in Burkina Faso. Damiba is accused of orchestrating an assassination attempt against his successor, Ibrahim Traoré, amid a backdrop of ongoing political turmoil following coups in the country.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has been extradited to Burkina Faso after being arrested in Togo, where he had been living in exile since his ousting in September 2022. The Burkinabè authorities have accused him of masterminding a plot to kill his successor, Ibrahim Traoré. As part of the extradition agreement, Burkina Faso has assured that Damiba will be treated with respect for his physical integrity and fair-trial rights, and that the death penalty will not be applied.

Key takeaways

• Damiba faces serious allegations, including plotting to kill Traoré and embezzlement of public funds.
• The political climate in Burkina Faso is tense, with ongoing concerns about security and military loyalty.
• The junta government has made significant changes, including reinstating the death penalty for high treason.

Timeline: how we got here

To understand the current situation, it's essential to look at key events that have led to Damiba's extradition:

• January 2022: Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba leads a coup, overthrowing President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré amid dissatisfaction over security issues.
• September 2022: Damiba is ousted by Ibrahim Traoré, who accuses him of failing to improve security against jihadist attacks.
• 2023: Accusations emerge against Damiba concerning plots against the Traoré-led junta.
• October 2023: Damiba is arrested in Togo and extradited to Burkina Faso.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent developments include Damiba's extradition and the official charges laid against him by Burkinabè authorities, which include serious allegations of corruption and an assassination plot against Traoré.

What was already established

Damiba has been accused of orchestrating various plots from exile, and tensions within the military have been escalating since the overthrow of the previous government. The current junta has been dealing with a persistent security crisis due to ongoing jihadist violence.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The political instability in Burkina Faso could affect UK interests in the region, particularly in terms of security and trade. Citizens may see fluctuations in commodity prices as the situation evolves.

Businesses and jobs

UK businesses with interests in Burkina Faso may face challenges due to the unpredictable political landscape. Supply chains could be disrupted if the security situation deteriorates further.

Policy and regulation

UK policymakers may need to reassess their diplomatic and humanitarian engagement with Burkina Faso, particularly in light of the military government's hardline policies and the reinstatement of the death penalty.

Numbers that matter

• 1: Number of coups that brought Damiba to power in January 2022.
• 8: Months Damiba remained in power before being overthrown by Traoré.
• 9: Months after his ousting that he was accused of plotting against Traoré.
• 2: Number of times Burkina Faso has changed leadership through coup in the past two years.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Junta: A military or political group that rules a country after taking power by force.
• Assassination Plot: A scheme to kill a specific individual, typically for political reasons.
• Embezzlement: The act of dishonestly withholding or misappropriating funds entrusted to one's care.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect an increase in political tensions as Damiba faces charges. The junta may implement stricter security measures to prevent unrest.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitor how the situation develops, particularly regarding military loyalty and potential further plots against the Traoré administration.

Signals to watch

• Public statements from the Burkinabè government regarding security measures.
• Any protests or civil unrest as a reaction to Damiba's extradition and charges.
• The military's response to Damiba's situation and any potential shifts in power dynamics.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about the political situation in Burkina Faso and any travel advisories issued by the UK government.
• Engage with local communities and organisations working on peace and stability in the region.

Don’t

• Ignore signs of escalating tensions, especially if you are in or considering travel to the region.
• Assume that the current political climate will stabilise without further developments.

Checklist

• Review current travel advisories for Burkina Faso.
• Understand the implications of the political climate on local businesses.
• Stay connected with news sources for updates on security developments.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the situation evolves, the potential for civil unrest and further military action remains high. Observers should remain cautious, as the political landscape can shift rapidly. The ongoing security crisis adds an additional layer of complexity, making it difficult to predict how the junta will respond to internal and external pressures.

Bottom line

The extradition of Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba back to Burkina Faso marks a significant moment in the country's tumultuous political landscape. With serious charges against him, including murder and embezzlement, the outcome could reshape the power dynamics within the military and lead to further instability. Observers should be vigilant about how this situation unfolds and its implications for both the region and international relations.

FAQs

What charges is Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba facing?

Damiba faces multiple charges, including plotting an assassination against Ibrahim Traoré and various allegations of corruption and embezzlement.

Why was Damiba extradited from Togo?

Damiba was extradited to Burkina Faso after being accused of orchestrating plots against the current regime, with Togo agreeing to ensure his fair treatment.

How does this impact Burkina Faso's security situation?

The extradition and the charges against Damiba could exacerbate existing tensions within the military and complicate the country’s efforts to tackle ongoing jihadist violence.