Burkina Faso commemorated its revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara, on Tuesday, marking the 37th anniversary of his assassination. Sankara, a former president and military captain, was killed alongside 12 others in 1987 by a hit squad during a meeting of the ruling National Revolutionary Council in Ouagadougou.
President Traoré leads tribute to Sankara
Burkina Faso’s transitional president, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, led the nation’s tributes, describing Sankara’s murder as ‘cowardly and despicable.’ In a national address, Traoré praised Sankara as a visionary whose legacy continues to inspire the country’s pursuit of freedom and sovereignty.
‘On this day, I pay a vibrant tribute to this great visionary who left an indelible mark on the history of our nation through his integrity, patriotism, and commitment to a dignified, free, and sovereign Burkina Faso,’ Traoré said.
He added, ‘Sankara’s struggle and vision remain a guiding light for our actions as we strive to reclaim our national territory and build a Burkina Faso of peace, security, and prosperity for all.’
Sankara’s rise and legacy
Thomas Sankara came to power in August 1983 after a military coup led by his close ally, Blaise Compaoré, toppled the then-military ruler Jean-Baptiste Ouedraogo. As president, Sankara embarked on a radical transformation of the nation, renaming Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which translates to ‘land of honest people.’
Sankara introduced sweeping reforms aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, improving healthcare and education, and championing women’s rights. His policies, including mass vaccination campaigns and the abolition of harmful traditional practices, earned him a lasting reputation as one of Africa’s most influential leaders.
The assassination and Compaoré’s rule
Sankara’s presidency was cut short on October 15, 1987, when he was assassinated in a coup led by Compaoré, who subsequently took power. Compaoré ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years until his ousting in 2014 through mass protests.
In April 2022, Compaoré was sentenced to life in prison in absentia for his role in Sankara’s death. Though he later apologised to Sankara’s family, his return to Burkina Faso in 2022 under a ‘national reconciliation’ arrangement has been met with mixed reactions.
Sankara’s enduring legacy
Despite his tragic death, Sankara remains an enduring symbol of anti-colonialism and African unity. He advocated for self-reliance, rejected Western aid dependency, and pushed for the advancement of education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Burkina Faso. Sankara’s influence extends beyond Burkina Faso, inspiring movements across Africa for social justice and independence.
