A significant judicial development has unfolded in Burkina Faso. The High Court of Ouagadougou, on Friday, June 5, sentenced Captain Abdoul Kader Zanré, who previously served as the head of security for former Transitional President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, to 11 years in prison, with five years being a firm sentence.

The officer was found guilty of complicity in the intentional destruction of private property by fire and endangering the lives of others. This conviction relates to the arson attack on the vehicle belonging to Imhotep Bayala, the coordinator of the movement known as « Deux Heures pour Nous, Deux Heures pour Kamita ».

Prison term and arrest warrant issued

In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a firm fine of two million CFA francs and issued an arrest warrant for Captain Zanré.

Three other individuals implicated in the case were also found guilty. Each received a five-year suspended prison sentence and a fine of two million CFA francs.

Over 12 million CFA francs in damages awarded

On the civil aspect of the case, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiff. The convicted parties are jointly liable to pay 12.7 million CFA francs to Imhotep Bayala as compensation for the damages incurred.

This particular case has garnered considerable attention across Burkina Faso, largely due to the prominent profiles of the accused and its broader political implications.

Damiba’s legal challenges continue

This judicial decision comes at a time when Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the former head of the Transition, remains embroiled in several ongoing legal proceedings.

Information indicates that he was recently extradited from Lomé to Ouagadougou. Authorities have notably accused him of an alleged assassination attempt against the current Transitional President, Ibrahim Traoré.