A significant legal development has unfolded in Burkina Faso. The High Court of Ouagadougou, on Friday, June 5, issued an 11-year prison sentence to Captain Abdoul Kader Zanré, who previously served as the head of security for former Transition President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. Five years of this sentence are to be served without parole.

The officer was found guilty of complicity in the deliberate destruction of private property by arson and of endangering the lives of others. These charges stem from the incident involving the burning of a vehicle belonging to Imhotep Bayala, the coordinator of the “Deux Heures pour Nous, Deux Heures pour Kamita” movement.

Arrest warrant and financial penalty

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

Three other individuals implicated in the case were also convicted. 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 case, 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 incurred.

This particular case has garnered considerable attention across Burkina Faso, largely due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the significant political ramifications associated with the proceedings.

Damiba’s legal challenges persist

This judicial ruling comes at a time when former Transition leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba remains embroiled in multiple legal investigations.

Information suggests that Damiba was recently extradited from Lomé to Ouagadougou. Authorities in Burkina Faso have notably accused him of an alleged assassination attempt targeting the current Transition President, Ibrahim Traoré.