October 15, 2024, marks the 37th anniversary of the assassination of Thomas Sankara, one of Africa’s most iconic and revolutionary leaders. Known as the “Che Guevara of Africa,” Sankara’s brief presidency in Burkina Faso (1983–1987) left an indelible mark on the continent, and his legacy continues to inspire movements for justice, equality, and Pan-Africanism.
Sankara’s rise to power in 1983 marked the beginning of a transformative period in Burkina Faso’s history. At just 33 years old, he initiated sweeping reforms aimed at reducing dependency on foreign aid, eradicating poverty, and promoting self-sufficiency. Renaming the country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, meaning “Land of Upright People,” he embodied the spirit of dignity and self-reliance.
Sankara was an unapologetic Pan-Africanist who rejected Western imperialism and championed African unity. He sought to reduce the influence of former colonial powers by advocating for debt cancellation for African countries and promoting economic independence through land reforms, agricultural development, and nationalization of key industries.
Though his presidency lasted only four years, Sankara’s achievements were profound. He redistributed land to peasant farmers, making the country food self-sufficient. His government implemented mass vaccination programs, built schools, and launched environmental initiatives like planting millions of trees to combat desertification.
Sankara also pushed for gender equality, outlawing female genital mutilation, promoting women’s participation in politics, and banning forced marriages. His progressive policies placed Burkina Faso at the forefront of social change in Africa, setting a standard for leadership focused on the well-being of the people.
Sankara’s vision was cut short on October 15, 1987, when he was assassinated in a coup led by his former ally, Blaise Compaoré, who would rule Burkina Faso for the next 27 years. Despite his untimely death, Sankara’s ideas have lived on. His critiques of neo-colonialism, corruption, and economic exploitation remain relevant, especially in contemporary African politics.
Across Africa and beyond, Sankara is remembered as a symbol of resistance and a champion of the poor and marginalized. Statues have been erected in his honor, books and documentaries recount his life, and each year, his legacy is commemorated by activists, scholars, and politicians who continue to draw inspiration from his ideals.
In 2021, a landmark trial began in Burkina Faso, holding Compaoré and others responsible for Sankara’s assassination accountable. This move represented a long-awaited step toward justice, as Sankara’s supporters have fought for decades to uncover the truth behind his murder.
Blaise Compaoré, once a close ally of Thomas Sankara, led the 1987 coup that resulted in Sankara’s assassination. After seizing power, Compaoré reversed many of Sankara’s revolutionary reforms and ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years. In 2022, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia for his role in the assassination.
As we reflect on the 37th anniversary of his death, Sankara’s words still resonate “While revolutionaries as individuals can be murdered, you cannot kill ideas.” His commitment to African sovereignty, social justice, and environmental stewardship remains an enduring influence on future generations.
To learn more about the life and impact of Thomas Sankara, visit your local library and pick up one of the many books written about his revolutionary journey. His story continues to inspire, and diving deeper into his speeches and writings is a great way to understand why his legacy endures today. Whether through his advocacy for self-reliance, his fight for gender equality, or his bold stance against neo-colonialism, Sankara’s ideas remain powerful tools for reimagining a better future for Africa
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