Togo says it has extradited Burkina Faso’s former junta leader

Togolese authorities said Tuesday they have extradited Burkina Faso’s former leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba following a request by the military government there.

The former junta leader has lived in Togo since his ouster in 2022. He is wanted in his country on suspicion of criminal embezzlement of public funds, incitement to commit crimes and other charges.

The Togo Ministry of Justice said the Lomé Court of Appeal decided to extradite Damiba “based on the offer of reciprocity from the Burkinabè authorities” and assurance that Damiba will not be facing the death penalty.

Damiba was arrested on Jan. 16. Earlier this month, the Burkina Faso junta said it had foiled a coup and alleged that Damiba was behind the plot.

Read more: AP