Latest news with #Sankara
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Burkina Faso's revolutionary shift under Traoré's leadership
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the President of Burkina Faso's transition. One thing is clear: Burkina Faso is once again positioning itself at the vanguard of Africa's liberation project. IN Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, a structure has risen that embodies more than just memory: It symbolises vision, renewal, and resistance. It is the Thomas Sankara Mausoleum. The Thomas Sankara Mausoleum, designed by the internationally acclaimed Pritzker Prize-winning Kéré Architecture, is not merely a tribute to a distinctly revolutionary icon. It is a declaration: that the spirit of Sankara is alive, and under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the President of Burkina Faso's transition. One thing is clear: Burkina Faso is once again positioning itself at the vanguard of Africa's liberation project. The mausoleum — sleek, dignified, and rooted in African architectural identity — honours the legacy of Thomas Sankara, the pan-Africanist leader assassinated in 1987 (after just four transformative years in power), as well as twelve of Sankara's fellow comrades. The auspicious inauguration of the event was attended by an array of international dignitaries, including South African anti-apartheid activist and former chairperson of the African Union (AU) Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. South Africa's former President Thabo Mbeki, although invited, was unable to attend as he was hosting the 15th Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The erection of this memorial site is a profound and befitting tribute to Sankara, the Burkinabe revolutionary whose influence and reverence were felt both continentally and internationally. This tribute also speaks volumes about today's Burkina Faso. Under the leadership of the significantly popular President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso has taken dramatic strides towards its advancement. From education and healthcare to infrastructure and security, the country is reclaiming agency over its development. By commissioning and championing this project, President Traoré is not only preserving history, but he is actively invoking it. He is steadfastly reviving the political and philosophical principles that made Sankara both admired and feared: integrity, self-reliance, unapologetic anti-imperialism, and a deep commitment to the African people. The Sankara mausoleum is more than a mere monument; it is a reclaiming of the Burkinabe narrative to a place long shrouded in pain. For decades, the site represented fear and pain, and today, it has been reimagined as a site of power, true leadership, and the positive reconstruction of Burkina Faso's society. This transformation is more than symbolic, it reflects the broader African awakening — a refusal to let our heroes be erased or our futures dictated. This is not just symbolic politics. It is part of a larger revolution Traoré is undertaking, one that seeks to realign Burkina Faso's path away from dependency and toward sovereignty, regional solidarity, and genuine national development. In fact, Traore markedly withdrew Burkina Faso from Ecowas, forming instead the Alliance of Sahel States with Mali and Niger, two nations also run by post-coup administrations. He has also reversed his predecessor's salary increase for government officials, and remained on his military captain earnings, similarly to South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela, and Gabon's military leader, Gen Brice Oligui Nguema. Furthermore, Traore has ended military cooperation agreements with former coloniser France, redirecting security efforts to local and national forces, and emphasising the importance of reclaiming ownership — not only of land and minerals but of policy, narrative, and identity. In many ways, the mausoleum is a fitting metaphor. It roots Burkina Faso in its radical past, while offering a platform for reimagining its future. And that future, under Traoré's guidance, is being shaped in bold and unapologetically African terms. This is the revolution within the revolution, a cultural and psychological shift that echoes Sankara's own emphasis on dignity. It is one thing to control a nation's territory; it is another to inspire its people, to nurture its identity, and to outrightly put the needs of the people at the top of the national mandate. Through Traoré's renewed focus on local agriculture, education, public service delivery, and so much more, Traoré is successfully reconstructing the foundations of Burkinabè society, from the ground up. This is why the Sankara Mausoleum is so immensely invaluable. It is a reminder that leadership is not about personality cults or grandstanding; it is about purpose. Traoré, like Sankara, is leading with vision and intention, rather than from palaces and pompous acts of grandiosity. Critics, particularly in European and Western circles, have cast doubt on the trajectory of Traoré's leadership, particularly the long-term sustainability of Burkina Faso's break from its former strategic partners. However, we must remain wary of the age-old habit of non-Africans speaking on African matters. In fact, any critique of Traore must also be balanced against the undeniable decades of ineffective governance, chronic instability, and external interferences that have brought Burkina Faso to the brink of collapse. Traoré's leadership has proven itself to be rooted in the pan-Africanist belief that Africa can govern itself, defend itself, and define itself, without relying on those who have historically (and continue to) benefit from its vulnerabilities. This leadership model is not limited to Burkina Faso. From Northern Africa's Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) to the Southern African Development Communities (SADC), and beyond, the world is watching Traore intently. Traoré's assertiveness has resonated with citizens across Africa — and beyond — who are sick and tired of corruption, dependency, and underdevelopment despite abundant resources. His actions have rekindled the passionate values of Pan-Africanism, not as a theoretical ideal, but as a practical, implementable, transformational political path. Traoré, propelled by the will of the people rather than elite interests, represents a break from the old order that served foreign agendas more than African futures. The reforms taking root today reflect a broader continental awakening: one where sovereignty, dignity, and justice are no longer negotiable. Traoré is showing us what is possible when leadership listens, acts, and stands firm. The Thomas Sankara Mausoleum is more than a memorial; it is a cornerstone of a new national narrative. It signals to Burkinabè youth, and to African youth everywhere, that we are not condemned to repeat the cycles of the past. We can choose leaders who reflect our values, who honour our history, and who are willing to challenge the structures that have kept us marginalised and grossly underprivileged for far too long. Ibrahim Traoré is far from finished. But what he has begun, from policy reform to cultural renewal, is already shifting the political horizon. The revolution he leads is not just about Burkina Faso's future, it's a profound declaration of what Africa is yet to achieve. As the prolific former leader of Ethiopia, Emperor Haile Selassie once famously stated: 'Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted… that has made it possible for evil to triumph.' If the Sankara Mausoleum is the foundation, then perhaps what follows will be the architecture of a new, sovereign, self-defined Africa. And that, at last, is what true leadership looks like. While many invoke Sankara's legacy, it is Traoré who most visibly fulfils Sankara's revolutionary challenge: 'We must dare to invent the future.' * Tswelopele Makoe is a gender and social justice activist, editor at Global South Media Network ( a researcher and Columnist. She is also an Andrew W Mellon scholar at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, UWC. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media.
21-05-2025
- Politics
Burkina Faso's military leaders turn to 'Africa's Che Guevara' to rally struggling country
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso -- The military rulers of Burkina Faso have turned to a man once known as 'Africa's Che Guevara" as a way to rally a country struggling to defeat extremists and turning away from former Western allies. Hundreds of young people gathered over the weekend in the capital, Ouagadougou, for the opening of a mausoleum for legendary leader Thomas Sankara. 'I'm the driver of the revolution!" one young man exclaimed with delight, sitting behind the wheel of the jeep that Sankara used during his presidency decades ago. A charismatic Marxist leader who seized global attention by defiantly declaring his country could rely on itself, Sankara came to power in 1983 at the age of 33 after he and former ally Blaise Compaore led a leftist coup that overthrew a moderate military faction. But in 1987, Compaore turned on his former friend in a coup that killed Sankara in the capital — and later became president himself. Nearly four decades after his death, Sankara is being celebrated in Burkina Faso, a nation of 23 million people once known for its bustling arts scene and vibrant intellectual life — including Sankara's anti-imperialist and pan-African legacy. 'When I stepped inside the mausoleum, I felt the revolution,' said Timoté, a 22-year-old who said he came because of what he heard about Sankara at home and at school. Sankara's mausoleum, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré, has been the project of current military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore. Since taking power during a coup in 2022, Traore has presented himself as the new Sankara. He has named one of the main streets after the revolutionary leader, elevated him to the rank of Hero of the Nation and revived revolutionary slogans such as 'Fatherland or death, we will win!' in most of his speeches. The mission of the mausoleum is "to keep the flame of the revolution alive and to remind the world of Capt. Thomas Sankara's fight to break the chains of slavery and imperialist domination,' Burkina Faso Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo said as he read Traore's statement. Despite promising to fight the security crisis that pushed them to stage a coup, Burkina Faso's military leaders have struggled to deal with the worsening crisis. According to conservative estimates, more than 60% of the country is now outside of government control, more than 2 million people have lost their homes and almost 6.5 million need humanitarian aid to survive. Human rights groups say the military leadership has installed a system of de facto censorship, crushing critics, while many have been killed by jihadi groups or government forces. As people flocked to Ouagadougou to celebrate Sankara, life elsewhere in the country reflects a different reality. 'We can go out for a bit in the city center, but with caution,' said one student from Dori, the capital of the northern region, echoing concerns about restrictions on free speech and movement. The student spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being arrested. Security concerns have permeated every aspect of life outside Ouagadougou. Even the price of beer has skyrocketed as more places become inaccessible to traders. 'There are two Burkina Fasos,' said a teacher from the east, speaking on condition of anonymity for safety reasons. 'One where the streets are deserted at night, and another that comes alive to enjoy the cool evening air.'
Arab Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Burkina Faso military leaders turn to ‘Africa's Che Guevara' to rally struggling country
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, May 21, (AP): The military rulers of Burkina Faso have turned to a man once known as "Africa's Che Guevara" as a way to rally a country struggling to defeat extremists and turning away from former Western allies. Hundreds of young people gathered over the weekend in the capital, Ouagadougou, for the opening of a mausoleum for legendary leader Thomas Sankara. "I'm the driver of the revolution!" one young man exclaimed with delight, sitting behind the wheel of the jeep that Sankara used during his presidency decades ago. A charismatic Marxist leader who seized global attention by defiantly declaring his country could rely on itself, Sankara came to power in 1983 at the age of 33 after he and former ally Blaise Compaore led a leftist coup that overthrew a moderate military faction. But in 1987, Compaore turned on his former friend in a coup that killed Sankara in the capital - and later became president himself. Nearly four decades after his death, Sankara is being celebrated in Burkina Faso, a nation of 23 million people once known for its bustling arts scene and vibrant intellectual life - including Sankara's anti-imperialist and pan-African legacy. "When I stepped inside the mausoleum, I felt the revolution,' said Timoté, a 22-year-old who said he came because of what he heard about Sankara at home and at school. Sankara's mausoleum, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré, has been the project of current military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore. Since taking power during a coup in 2022, Traore has presented himself as the new Sankara. He has named one of the main streets after the revolutionary leader, elevated him to the rank of Hero of the Nation and revived revolutionary slogans such as "Fatherland or death, we will win!' in most of his speeches. The mission of the mausoleum is "to keep the flame of the revolution alive and to remind the world of Capt. Thomas Sankara's fight to break the chains of slavery and imperialist domination,' Burkina Faso Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo said as he read Traore's statement.
San Francisco Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Burkina Faso's military leaders turn to 'Africa's Che Guevara' to rally struggling country
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — The military rulers of Burkina Faso have turned to a man once known as 'Africa's Che Guevara" as a way to rally a country struggling to defeat extremists and turning away from former Western allies. Hundreds of young people gathered over the weekend in the capital, Ouagadougou, for the opening of a mausoleum for legendary leader Thomas Sankara. 'I'm the driver of the revolution!" one young man exclaimed with delight, sitting behind the wheel of the jeep that Sankara used during his presidency decades ago. A charismatic Marxist leader who seized global attention by defiantly declaring his country could rely on itself, Sankara came to power in 1983 at the age of 33 after he and former ally Blaise Compaore led a leftist coup that overthrew a moderate military faction. But in 1987, Compaore turned on his former friend in a coup that killed Sankara in the capital — and later became president himself. An anti-imperialist legacy Nearly four decades after his death, Sankara is being celebrated in Burkina Faso, a nation of 23 million people once known for its bustling arts scene and vibrant intellectual life — including Sankara's anti-imperialist and pan-African legacy. 'When I stepped inside the mausoleum, I felt the revolution,' said Timoté, a 22-year-old who said he came because of what he heard about Sankara at home and at school. Sankara's mausoleum, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré, has been the project of current military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore. Since taking power during a coup in 2022, Traore has presented himself as the new Sankara. He has named one of the main streets after the revolutionary leader, elevated him to the rank of Hero of the Nation and revived revolutionary slogans such as 'Fatherland or death, we will win!' in most of his speeches. The mission of the mausoleum is "to keep the flame of the revolution alive and to remind the world of Capt. Thomas Sankara's fight to break the chains of slavery and imperialist domination,' Burkina Faso Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo said as he read Traore's statement. An unstable Burkina Faso Despite promising to fight the security crisis that pushed it to stage a coup, Burkina Faso's military leaders have struggled to deal with the worsening crisis. According to conservative estimates, more than 60% of the country is now outside of government control, more than 2 million people have lost their homes and almost 6.5 million need humanitarian aid to survive. Human rights groups say the military leadership has installed a system of de facto censorship, crushing critics, while many have been killed by jihadi groups or government forces. As people flocked to Ouagadougou to celebrate Sankara, life elsewhere in the country reflects a different reality. 'We can go out for a bit in the city center, but with caution,' said one student from Dori, the capital of the northern region, echoing concerns about restrictions on free speech and movement. The student spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being arrested. 'There are two Burkina Fasos,' said a teacher from the east, speaking on condition of condition of anonymity for safety reasons. 'One where the streets are deserted at night, and another that comes alive to enjoy the cool evening air.'
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Burkina Faso's military leaders turn to 'Africa's Che Guevara' to rally struggling country
The military rulers of Burkina Faso have turned to a man once known as 'Africa's Che Guevara" as a way to rally a country struggling to defeat extremists and turning away from former Western allies. Hundreds of young people gathered over the weekend in the capital, Ouagadougou, for the opening of a mausoleum for legendary leader Thomas Sankara. 'I'm the driver of the revolution!" one young man exclaimed with delight, sitting behind the wheel of the jeep that Sankara used during his presidency decades ago. A charismatic Marxist leader who seized global attention by defiantly declaring his country could rely on itself, Sankara came to power in 1983 at the age of 33 after he and former ally Blaise Compaore led a leftist coup that overthrew a moderate military faction. But in 1987, Compaore turned on his former friend in a coup that killed Sankara in the capital — and later became president himself. An anti-imperialist legacy Nearly four decades after his death, Sankara is being celebrated in Burkina Faso, a nation of 23 million people once known for its bustling arts scene and vibrant intellectual life — including Sankara's anti-imperialist and pan- African legacy. 'When I stepped inside the mausoleum, I felt the revolution,' said Timoté, a 22-year-old who said he came because of what he heard about Sankara at home and at school. Sankara's mausoleum, designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré, has been the project of current military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore. Since taking power during a coup in 2022, Traore has presented himself as the new Sankara. He has named one of the main streets after the revolutionary leader, elevated him to the rank of Hero of the Nation and revived revolutionary slogans such as 'Fatherland or death, we will win!' in most of his speeches. The mission of the mausoleum is "to keep the flame of the revolution alive and to remind the world of Capt. Thomas Sankara's fight to break the chains of slavery and imperialist domination,' Burkina Faso Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo said as he read Traore's statement. An unstable Burkina Faso Despite promising to fight the security crisis that pushed it to stage a coup, Burkina Faso's military leaders have struggled to deal with the worsening crisis. According to conservative estimates, more than 60% of the country is now outside of government control, more than 2 million people have lost their homes and almost 6.5 million need humanitarian aid to survive. Human rights groups say the military leadership has installed a system of de facto censorship, crushing critics, while many have been killed by jihadi groups or government forces. As people flocked to Ouagadougou to celebrate Sankara, life elsewhere in the country reflects a different reality. 'We can go out for a bit in the city center, but with caution,' said one student from Dori, the capital of the northern region, echoing concerns about restrictions on free speech and movement. The student spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being arrested. Security concerns have permeated every aspect of life in Ouagadougou. Even the price of beer has skyrocketed as more places become inaccessible to traders. 'There are two Burkina Fasos,' said a teacher from the east, speaking on condition of condition of anonymity for safety reasons. 'One where the streets are deserted at night, and another that comes alive to enjoy the cool evening air.'
