ClassX Video Lessons The life, legacy & assassination of an African revolutionary – Lisa Janae Bacon
In 1972, a young soldier named Thomas Sankara from Burkina Faso, then known as Upper Volta, found himself in the midst of a revolution in Madagascar. At just 22 years old, Sankara was attending a military academy there when he encountered local revolutionaries fighting against the remnants of French colonial rule. Inspired by their struggle, he began to immerse himself in the writings of socialist leaders and military strategy. This experience ignited a passion in him to liberate his own country from its colonial past when he returned in 1973.
Born in 1949, Sankara grew up in a relatively well-off family as the third of ten children. Although his parents hoped he would become a priest, Sankara saw the military as a means to combat corruption in Upper Volta. Upon his return from Madagascar, he quickly gained a reputation for his charismatic and honest speaking style, which contrasted sharply with the existing government led by President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo. Despite the government’s resistance to his ideas, Sankara’s popularity soared, and by 1981, he had secured a position within Ouédraogo’s administration.
Nicknamed “Africa’s Che Guevara,” Sankara’s influence grew rapidly. Within two years, he was appointed Prime Minister, where he passionately advocated for the poor, women, and youth. He also sought to build alliances with other nations sharing a colonial history. However, his progressive stance alarmed Ouédraogo and his advisors, who feared it would jeopardize relationships with capitalist countries. Consequently, Sankara was removed from his position and placed under house arrest, an action that sparked widespread protests and led to Upper Volta’s fourth coup in 17 years. With the help of his friend Blaise Compaoré, Sankara navigated the political turmoil, eventually becoming President on August 4, 1983.
As President, Sankara embarked on an ambitious agenda for social and economic reform. One of his first acts was to rename the country Burkina Faso, meaning “Land of Upright Men.” Over the next four years, he launched a nationwide literacy campaign, initiated the planting of over 10 million trees, and composed a new national anthem. He also reduced excessive government salaries and championed gender equality by outlawing forced marriages, polygamy, and genital mutilation. Sankara was a pioneer in appointing women to significant political roles and encouraging their participation in the military.
Despite his groundbreaking policies, Sankara faced considerable opposition. Many students and elites feared his economic strategies would isolate Burkina Faso from capitalist nations. His efforts to curb corruption alienated government officials, and his increasingly authoritarian measures, such as banning trade unions and the free press, eroded his support. On October 15, 1987, Sankara was assassinated during a meeting, with many suspecting his friend Blaise Compaoré orchestrated the attack.
Though his legacy is complex, Sankara’s policies were remarkably forward-thinking. In recent years, Burkinabe youth have embraced his political philosophy, and countries like Ghana have adopted his economic models. On March 2, 2019, a statue of Sankara was unveiled in Burkina Faso’s capital, cementing his status as a revolutionary icon both in his homeland and around the world.
Research the life and impact of another revolutionary leader from a different part of the world. Prepare a short presentation comparing their journey and contributions to those of Thomas Sankara. Focus on their early influences, rise to power, and the reforms they implemented. Share your findings with the class to foster a discussion on the similarities and differences in revolutionary movements globally.
Engage in a debate about the economic policies implemented by Thomas Sankara. Divide into two groups: one supporting his socialist reforms and the other critiquing them from a capitalist perspective. Use evidence from his tenure to argue your position, and consider the long-term impacts of his policies on Burkina Faso’s development.
Write a fictional letter from the perspective of a Burkinabe citizen living during Sankara’s presidency. Describe your daily life, your views on the changes happening in the country, and your hopes or concerns for the future. This exercise will help you empathize with the experiences of individuals during significant historical transformations.
Watch a documentary about Thomas Sankara’s life and legacy. After the screening, participate in a group discussion analyzing the documentary’s portrayal of Sankara’s achievements and challenges. Discuss how the film’s perspective aligns or contrasts with the article’s depiction of Sankara.
Based on Sankara’s reforms, work in groups to develop a policy proposal addressing a current issue in your community or country. Consider how Sankara’s principles of social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic independence can be adapted to modern challenges. Present your proposal to the class and receive feedback on its feasibility and potential impact.
In 1972, Thomas Sankara became involved in a revolution in a country not his own. Hailing from Burkina Faso—then known as Upper Volta—the 22-year-old soldier had traveled to Madagascar to study at their military academy. Upon arriving, he found a nation in conflict, where local revolutionaries sought to gain control from France’s lingering colonial rule. These protestors inspired Sankara to read works by socialist leaders and seek wisdom from military strategy. When he returned to Upper Volta in 1973, Sankara was determined to free his country from its colonial legacy.
Born in 1949, Sankara was raised in a relatively privileged household as the third of ten children. His parents wanted him to be a priest, but like many of his peers, Sankara saw the military as the perfect institution to rid Upper Volta of corruption. After returning from Madagascar, he became known for his charisma and transparent oratorial style, though he was less popular with the reigning government. Led by President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo, this administration came to power in the third consecutive coup in Upper Volta’s recent history. The administration’s policies were a far cry from the sweeping changes Sankara proposed, but by 1981, his popularity earned him a role in Ouédraogo’s government.
Nicknamed “Africa’s Che Guevara,” Sankara rapidly rose through the ranks, and within two years, he was appointed Prime Minister. In his new role, he delivered rallying speeches to impoverished communities, women, and young people. He even tried to persuade other governments to form alliances based on their shared colonial legacy. However, Ouédraogo and his advisors felt threatened by Sankara’s new position, fearing his beliefs would harm alliances with capitalist countries. Just months after becoming Prime Minister, Ouédraogo’s administration forced Sankara from the job and placed him under house arrest. Little did the President know this act would fuel Upper Volta’s fourth coup in 17 years. Civilian protests ensued around the capital, and the government ground to a halt while Sankara tried to negotiate a peaceful transition. During this time, Blaise Compaoré, Sankara’s friend and fellow former soldier, foiled another coup that included an attempt on Sankara’s life. Eventually, Ouédraogo resigned without further violence, and on August 4, 1983, Thomas Sankara became the new President of Upper Volta.
Finally in charge, Sankara launched an ambitious program for social and economic change. One of his first agenda items was renaming the country from its French colonial title “Upper Volta” to “Burkina Faso,” which translates to “Land of Upright Men.” Over the next four years, he established a nationwide literacy campaign, ordered the planting of over 10 million trees, and composed a new national anthem—all while cutting inflated government employee salaries. Perhaps the most unique element of Sankara’s revolution was his dedication to gender equality. He cultivated a movement for women’s liberation, outlawing forced marriages, polygamy, and genital mutilation. He was the first African leader to appoint women to key political positions and actively recruit them to the military.
However, Sankara’s policies faced significant resistance. Many students and elites believed his economic plans would alienate Burkina Faso from its capitalist peers. His crackdown on the misuse of public funds turned government officials against him as well. After four years, what began as an empowering revolution had isolated many influential Burkinabes. But Sankara was not ready to yield his power. He executed increasingly authoritarian actions, including banning trade unions and the free press. Eventually, his autocratic tendencies turned even his closest friends against him. On October 15, 1987, Sankara was conducting a meeting when a group of assailants swarmed his headquarters. Sankara was assassinated in the attack, and many believe the raid was ordered by his friend Blaise Compaoré.
Though his legacy is complicated, many of Sankara’s policies have proven to be ahead of their time. In the past decade, Burkinabe youth have celebrated Sankara’s political philosophy, and nearby countries like Ghana have even adopted his economic models. On March 2, 2019, a statue of Sankara was erected in Burkina Faso’s capital, establishing his place as an icon of revolution for his country and throughout the world.
Revolution – A fundamental and relatively sudden change in political power and political organization, often accompanied by social upheaval. – The French Revolution of 1789 dramatically altered the course of European history by overthrowing the monarchy and establishing a republic.
Colonial – Relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonies, often referring to the period of European expansion and domination over other regions. – The colonial era in Africa left a lasting impact on the continent’s political and social structures.
Socialism – A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. – The rise of socialism in the 19th century was a response to the inequalities brought about by the Industrial Revolution.
Government – The governing body of a nation, state, or community, responsible for making and enforcing laws and policies. – The government of Ancient Rome evolved from a monarchy to a complex republic before becoming an empire.
Reforms – Changes made to improve a system, organization, or practice, often in a political or social context. – The Progressive Era in the United States was marked by significant reforms aimed at addressing social injustices and economic inequality.
Assassination – The deliberate killing of a prominent or important person, often for political reasons. – The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 is widely regarded as the catalyst for the outbreak of World War I.
Legacy – Something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor, often referring to cultural, social, or political influences. – The legacy of the Roman Empire can still be seen in modern legal systems and architectural styles.
Youth – The period between childhood and adult age, often associated with a time of growth, learning, and socialization. – The youth movements of the 1960s played a crucial role in advocating for civil rights and social change.
Politics – The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. – The politics of the Cold War era were dominated by the ideological struggle between capitalism and communism.
Burkina Faso – A landlocked country in West Africa, known for its diverse cultures and history of political upheaval. – Burkina Faso gained independence from French colonial rule in 1960, and its political landscape has been shaped by a series of coups and revolutions.
