35 Facts About Thomas Sankara

Early Life and Education

Thomas Sankara, often referred to as "Africa's Che Guevara," had a fascinating early life that shaped his revolutionary ideals.

1. Born on December 21, 1949, in Yako, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Sankara was the third of ten children.
2. His father, Joseph Sankara, was a gendarme, and his mother, Marguerite Sankara, was a homemaker.
3. Sankara attended primary school in Gaoua and secondary school in Bobo-Dioulasso, where he excelled academically.
4. He was sent to Madagascar for military training, where he witnessed a popular uprising that influenced his political views.
5. Sankara studied agriculture, which later influenced his policies on self-sufficiency and land reform.

Military Career

Before becoming a revolutionary leader, Sankara had a notable military career that provided him with leadership skills and a platform for his ideas.

6. Sankara joined the military at 19, quickly rising through the ranks due to his intelligence and dedication.
7. He became a paratrooper and was known for his discipline and charisma among his peers.
8. Sankara was appointed commander of the Commando Training Center in Pô, where he began to develop his revolutionary ideas.
9. He served as a military adviser to the government of Upper Volta, gaining insight into the country's political landscape.
10. Sankara was appointed Secretary of State for Information in 1981 but resigned in protest against government corruption.

Rise to Power

Sankara's ascent to power was marked by his commitment to anti-imperialism and social justice.

11. In 1983, Sankara was arrested during a power struggle within the government, but his supporters freed him.
12. On August 4, 1983, Sankara led a coup d'état that overthrew the government, becoming the President of Upper Volta.
13. He renamed the country Burkina Faso, meaning "Land of Upright People," to reflect his vision for the nation.
14. Sankara's government was characterized by its anti-imperialist stance and focus on self-reliance.
15. He promoted women's rights, including banning female genital mutilation, forced marriages, and polygamy.

Economic and Social Reforms

Sankara's policies aimed at transforming Burkina Faso into a self-sufficient and egalitarian society.

16. He launched a nationwide literacy campaign, increasing the literacy rate from 13% to 73% in just four years.
17. Sankara initiated a massive vaccination program, immunizing 2.5 million children against diseases like measles and meningitis.
18. He redistributed land from feudal landlords to peasants, boosting agricultural production and reducing hunger.
19. Sankara promoted local production and consumption, encouraging Burkinabé to wear traditional clothing made from local cotton.
20. He built railways and roads to improve infrastructure and connect remote areas of the country.

Environmental Initiatives

Sankara was ahead of his time in recognizing the importance of environmental conservation.

21. He launched a reforestation campaign, planting over 10 million trees to combat desertification.
22. Sankara encouraged the use of organic farming methods to preserve soil fertility and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.
23. He promoted the construction of small dams and irrigation systems to improve water management and support agriculture.
24. Sankara's government banned the import of luxury goods to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
25. He advocated for the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

International Relations

Sankara's foreign policy was marked by his commitment to Pan-Africanism and anti-imperialism.

26. He called for African nations to unite against neocolonialism and imperialism, emphasizing self-reliance and solidarity.
27. Sankara refused foreign aid that came with strings attached, believing it perpetuated dependency and exploitation.
28. He criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank for their role in Africa's economic struggles.
29. Sankara forged alliances with other revolutionary leaders, such as Fidel Castro of Cuba and Muammar Gaddafi of Libya.
30. He supported liberation movements in countries like South Africa and Namibia, providing them with moral and material support.

Assassination and Legacy

Sankara's life was tragically cut short, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

31. On October 15, 1987, Sankara was assassinated in a coup led by his former ally, Blaise Compaoré.
32. His death marked the end of his revolutionary government, and many of his policies were reversed by the new regime.
33. Despite his short tenure, Sankara's vision for a self-reliant and just society left a lasting impact on Burkina Faso and beyond.
34. He is remembered as a symbol of resistance against oppression and a champion of social justice.
35. Sankara's ideas continue to inspire activists and leaders who seek to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

Sankara's Legacy Lives On

Thomas Sankara's impact on Burkina Faso and the world remains undeniable. His dedication to social justice, economic independence, and anti-imperialism continues to inspire many. Sankara's policies, though controversial, aimed at uplifting the marginalized and promoting self-sufficiency. His assassination in 1987 cut short a promising vision, but his ideas still resonate. People remember him as a leader who dared to challenge the status quo and fight for a better future. Sankara's story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for change when leaders prioritize the well-being of their people over personal gain. His legacy encourages us to strive for a more just and equitable world. Whether through his speeches, policies, or the lives he touched, Thomas Sankara's spirit endures, urging us to continue the fight for freedom and equality.