Thomas Sankara, the former leader of Burkina Faso, remains a celebrated figure in Africa and beyond. Known as “Africa’s Che Guevara,” Sankara was a charismatic leader who championed revolutionary ideas, challenging Western imperialism and advocating for pan-African unity.
Early Life and Career
Thomas Sankara was born on December 21, 1949, in Yako, Burkina Faso, then known as Upper Volta. He was educated in Ghana, where he developed an interest in Marxism and African liberation movements. After returning to Upper Volta, he joined the military and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the country’s youngest captain at the age of 27.
Sankara’s Revolutionary Vision
As Sankara rose through the ranks of the military, he became increasingly disillusioned with the state of his country. Upper Volta was one of the poorest and most politically unstable countries in the world, suffering from droughts, famine, and a corrupt government. Sankara saw this as a direct result of Western imperialism and capitalist exploitation, and he was determined to create a new Burkina Faso that would reject these influences.
In 1983, Sankara led a bloodless coup that overthrew the corrupt government and established the People’s Revolutionary Council as the new ruling body. Sankara became the president of the council and immediately began implementing radical reforms. He changed the name of the country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means “Land of Upright Men,” and launched a campaign to promote national unity and cultural pride.
Sankara also implemented sweeping changes in the country’s economic and social policies. He nationalized land and industries, redistributed wealth, and launched an ambitious program to promote agriculture and self-sufficiency. He encouraged women’s rights and launched campaigns against illiteracy, hunger, and disease. Sankara also cut ties with Western donors and rejected their aid, instead focusing on building strong relationships with other African nations.
Tragic End to a Revolutionary Legacy
Despite his popularity among the people of Burkina Faso, Sankara’s revolutionary vision and policies made him enemies both at home and abroad. In 1987, he was overthrown in a violent coup led by his former ally turned foe, Blaise Compaor. Sankara was assassinated, and his body was buried in an unmarked grave.
In 2014, the people of Burkina Faso rose up against Compaor’s regime, and he was forced to flee the country. In the years since, efforts have been made to restore Sankara’s legacy, and in 2019, his remains were exhumed in a bid to uncover the truth about his assassination. On February 23, 2021, Sankara’s remains were reburied in a public ceremony in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.
Legacy of a Revolutionary Hero
Today, Thomas Sankara remains an icon of anti-imperialist resistance and pan-Africanism. His revolutionary vision and commitment to social justice continue to inspire people around the world. Sankara’s legacy serves as a reminder that true liberation cannot be achieved through the support of Western powers or the perpet.