Ouagadougou court convicts damiba’s ex-security chief in arson case

The Tribunal de grande instance of Ouagadougou, on Friday, June 5, found Captain Abdoul Kader Zanré guilty of complicity in the deliberate destruction of private property by fire and endangering the lives of others. These charges stem from an incident involving the burning of a vehicle belonging to Imhotep Bayala, who coordinates the “Deux Heures pour Nous, Deux Heures pour Kamita” movement.

Prison term and arrest warrant issued

Beyond the substantial prison sentence, the court also imposed a firm fine of two million CFA francs on Captain Zanré. Furthermore, an arrest warrant has been issued for the former security chief. Three other individuals implicated in the case were also found culpable, each receiving a five-year suspended prison sentence and a two-million CFA franc fine.

Over 12 million CFA francs in damages awarded

Regarding the civil claims, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The convicted parties are collectively obligated to compensate Imhotep Bayala with 12.7 million CFA francs to cover the damages incurred. This high-profile case has garnered considerable attention across Burkina Faso, largely due to the prominent profiles of those accused and its significant political ramifications.

Damiba’s legal challenges persist

This judicial outcome unfolds as Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the former head of the Transition, remains embroiled in several legal proceedings himself. Information suggests he was recently extradited from Lomé to Ouagadougou. Authorities have leveled serious accusations against him, including an alleged attempt to assassinate the current President of the Transition, Ibrahim Traoré.