A fresh judicial turn has unfolded in Burkina Faso. On Friday, June 5, the High Court of Ouagadougou delivered its verdict, convicting Captain Abdoul Kader Zanré, who served as the former chief of security for ex-transitional leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba. He received an 11-year sentence, with five years being a definitive term.

The officer was found guilty of complicity in the deliberate destruction of private property through arson and for endangering the lives of others. These charges stemmed from the vehicle fire incident involving Imhotep Bayala, who coordinates the “Deux Heures pour Nous, Deux Heures pour Kamita” movement.

prison sentence and arrest warrant issued

Beyond the jail term, the court also imposed a substantial fine of two million CFA francs and issued an arrest warrant for Captain Zanré.

Additionally, three other individuals implicated in the case were also convicted. Each received a five-year suspended prison sentence along with a two-million CFA franc fine.

over 12 million cfa francs in damages awarded

Addressing 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 significant public interest across Burkina Faso, largely due to the high profile of those accused and its broader political ramifications.

damiba’s legal challenges remain a central focus

This verdict comes as former transitional leader Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba continues to face multiple legal proceedings himself. It has been reported that he was recently extradited from Lomé to Ouagadougou. Authorities there have accused him, among other things, of an alleged assassination attempt targeting the current President of the Transition, Ibrahim Traoré.