Burkina Faso: former security chief for Damiba handed prison sentence in arson case
A significant legal development has unfolded in Burkina Faso, as the nation’s judiciary has sentenced the former security chief for Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba to 11 years in prison, with five years being a firm sentence. This verdict emerges amidst a particularly sensitive political climate in the country.
The High Court of Ouagadougou delivered its judgment on Friday, June 5, convicting Captain Abdoul Kader Zanré, who previously led the security detail for the former transitional president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Captain Zanré received an 11-year prison term, with five years to be served without parole.
The officer was found guilty of complicity in the intentional destruction of private property by fire and of endangering the lives of others. These charges stem from the arson incident involving the vehicle of Imhotep Bayala, who coordinates the movement known as « Deux Heures pour Nous, Deux Heures pour Kamita ».
A prison sentence and an arrest warrant issued
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court imposed a firm fine of two million CFA francs on Captain Zanré and issued an immediate arrest warrant for him.
Three other individuals implicated in the case were also found culpable. Each received a five-year suspended prison sentence and a two-million CFA franc fine.
Over 12 million CFA francs in damages awarded
On the civil aspect of the proceedings, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The convicted parties are collectively obligated to pay 12.7 million CFA francs to Imhotep Bayala as compensation for the damages he incurred.
This particular case has garnered significant public attention across Burkina Faso, primarily due to the high-profile nature of the accused and its broader political ramifications.
Damiba’s legal challenges remain in focus
This judicial decision comes at a time when the former head of the Transition, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, is still embroiled in various legal proceedings. Reports indicate that he was recently extradited from Lomé back to Ouagadougou. Authorities have notably accused him of an alleged assassination attempt targeting the current transitional president, Ibrahim Traoré.