Who is Thomas Sankara?

March 2, 2023

Thomas Sankara, who is often called “Africa’s Che Guevara”, was famed for his revolutionary socio-economic and political visions that rejected the Western economic and political support in Burkina Faso. On February 23, Thomas Sankara’s exhumed remains were reburied in the west African country’s capital Ouagadougou. This reburial was at the very scene of his murder in 1987.

Who is Thomas Sankara?

Thomas Sankara was an anti-colonial revolutionary who briefly headed the country which he went on to name Burkina Faso or “Land of Upright Men”. He lost his life after being gunned down during a violent coup in 1987 at the age of 37. This coup was led by his former ally turned foe, Blaise Compaoré. Following the death of Sankara, Burkina Faso was ruled by Compaoré for over 30 years until he was ousted in 2014.

About Thomas Sankara

He served as the President of Burkina Faso between 1983 and 1987. He became the president through his coup. He was a Marxist – Leninist revolutionary. He was anti-imperialistic. He rejected aid from international financial organizations like IMF and World Bank. However, he accepted the foreign aid that helped in increasing the domestic revenue of his country.

What were the domestic policies of Thomas Sankara?

Land reforms, Famine Prevention, and Vaccinations against yellow fever, measles and meningitis. He planted ten million saplings to prevent desertification.

What were human rights criticisms against Thomas Sankara?

He was strict against corrupt officials. Usually, the military leaders in any country are very stringent in following rules and also very harsh towards those committing crimes. Thomas was also strict. He constituted revolutionary tribunals to prosecute offenders charged with crimes.

Where was Thomas Sankara born?

He was born in Yako, French Upper Volta. He was born in a Mossi – Fulani ethnic family. His mother was Mossi and his Father was Fulani. Mossi and Fulani are ethnic communities in Burkina Faso.

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