Who Is Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on January 1, 1981, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba is a prominent Burkinabé military officer and politician who rose to fame after becoming the president of Burkina Faso in 2022. As of 2025, he is 44 years old and has been at the forefront of Burkina Faso's political landscape, navigating a complex environment marked by challenges like security and governance. His journey from military leader to head of state is an example of the dynamic leadership roles emerging in West Africa.
Occupation | Politician |
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Date of Birth | January 1, 1981 |
Age | 44 Years |
Birth Place | Ouagadougou, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) |
Horoscope | Capricorn |
Country | Burkina Faso |
Popularity
Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details about Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba's physical stature are somewhat limited, though it is generally reported that he stands around 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) tall. His weight is around 75 kg (165 lbs), and he maintains a professional demeanor that reflects his military background. Specific measurements such as chest, waist, and hips are not publicly available, which is common for public figures in political roles.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, there is limited public information available regarding Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba's personal relationships. He is known to be a private individual, and details about his dating life, including any girlfriend or boyfriend, have not been disclosed. His family background, including his parents and siblings, is similarly reserved from the public eye. It is essential to respect the privacy of public figures, and thus, little is known about his marital status or family life.
The January 2022 coup was widely popular in Burkina Faso. Damiba has become known for the red beret he wears during speeches, believed to be an impression of Burkinabé revolutionary and founding father Thomas Sankara, whose speeches also carried similar rhetoric to Damiba's. Damiba had already gained praise prior to the coup for his activities fighting jihadists.
Net Worth and Salary
While the exact net worth of Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba is not publicly detailed, estimates place his worth in the range of several hundred thousand to a few million dollars. His salary as a president would contribute significantly to this figure, with compensation for such a role typically ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands annually, depending on the country's economic conditions and governance structures.
Career, Business and Investments
Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba's career is rooted in military service, where he played a vital role in Burkina Faso's armed forces before ascending to political power. His leadership style and strategies reflect a military background that prioritizes security and national stability. Although less known for entrepreneurial ventures, his role as a president encompasses business decisions impacting the economy of Burkina Faso, with a focus on investment in security, infrastructure, and social services. His tenure has been marked by efforts to modernize the military and bolster democratic institutions.
With Damiba at its head, the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration military junta pledged to improve security and eventually restore civilian rule. However, the military regime failed to defeat the Jihadists; instead, rebels and other non-state actors even expanded their operations and controlled 40% of the country by September 2022.
Many military officers grew dissatisfied with Damiba, believing that he did not focus on the rebellion. Jihadist insurgents launched several major attacks in September 2022, causing the interim president to reshuffle his cabinet.
On 12 September, Damiba fired his defense minister, General Aimé Barthélemy Simporé, and assumed the position himself. He also appointed Colonel-Major Silas Keita as minister delegate in charge of national defence. These changes did not satisfy the disgruntled army elements.
Social Network
Damiba appears to have a carefully managed presence on social media, primarily using platforms like Twitter and official governmental channels to communicate with citizens and report on national affairs. Engagement in social networking is crucial for political figures in modern governance, as it fosters transparency and accessibility.
Education
Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba is educated in military sciences and strategy, having attended prestigious military academies. His academic background has significantly shaped his approach as a leader. While specific details about his degrees and institutions are less publicized, his continuous educational pursuits reflect a dedication to leadership and governance beyond military training.
Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba graduated from the École militaire in Paris. During his studies, he met with future Guinean president Mamady Doumbouya, who was also training there.
He holds a master's degree in criminology from the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (CNAM) in Paris and a defense expert certification in management, command and strategy. From 2010 to 2020, he held training exercises in the United States.