New York, NY — A man convicted for his role in a violent coup attempt that left at least 11 people dead in Burkina Faso has been deported from the United States after immigration authorities determined he was ineligible to remain in the country.
Zakaria Songotoua, 40, was removed to Burkina Faso on April 22 pursuant to a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Federal officials said Songotoua participated in the failed Sept. 16, 2015, coup d’etat while serving as a member of Burkina Faso’s Presidential Security Regiment (RSP).
The case highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to identify and remove individuals accused or convicted of serious human rights abuses abroad.
Deadly Coup Attempt Left Protesters Dead
According to ICE, members of the rogue RSP faction seized control during the 2015 coup attempt, taking the country’s interim president and prime minister hostage.
Authorities said members of the group also opened fire on protesters opposing the takeover.
The violence resulted in an estimated 11 deaths and injured more than 100 people, according to federal officials.
Although Songotoua fled Burkina Faso before his criminal trial, he was later convicted in absentia of murder, assault and battery, and an attack on state security.
A court in Burkina Faso sentenced him to 30 years in prison.
ICE Says Human Rights Violators Have No Refuge in U.S.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo said the United States will continue pursuing individuals involved in violent political crimes and human rights abuses.
“Songotoua’s role in the violent 2015 effort to overthrow Burkina Faso’s government, which included holding a national leader hostage and killing and injuring protestors, reflects a grave disregard for human life and the rule of law,” Genalo said.
“Individuals who engage in such bloodshed anywhere in the world have no place in the United States.”
Key Points
• ICE deported a convicted Burkinabe coup participant on April 22.
• Authorities say he took part in the 2015 coup attempt that left 11 people dead.
• Songotoua was previously sentenced to 30 years in prison in Burkina Faso.
Specialized Human Rights Unit Assisted Investigation
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force with support from the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center.
The center, established in 2008, focuses on identifying and removing individuals suspected of genocide, war crimes, torture, extrajudicial killings, persecution, and other serious human rights violations.
According to ICE, Homeland Security Investigations currently has more than 190 active investigations involving suspected human rights violators and is pursuing nearly 2,000 leads and removal cases connected to individuals from 95 countries.
Federal officials also said the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center has issued more than 80,000 lookouts for suspected perpetrators since 2003 and has prevented more than 415 suspected human rights violators and war crimes suspects from entering the United States.
Removal Completed
ICE confirmed that Songotoua was successfully removed from the United States and returned to Burkina Faso.
Officials said the deportation was carried out following a final immigration court order that found him ineligible for immigration benefits because of his participation in the attempted coup.
The removal closes a case that began with an investigation into Songotoua’s alleged role in one of Burkina Faso’s most violent political crises in recent history.