THOMAS SANKARA (An African Hero)
A Pan -Afican
Like other African Countries, Burkina Faso experienced a series of labor strikes and coups in the early 1980s. Sankara was shot dead during the Coup de Tat in 1987 which put his friend Blaise Compaore to power. Compaore and Sankara paired a strong bond and conducted a coup that put Sankara into power. Compaore is among the people who were accused of involving in staging Sankara's killings and he has been denying involvement anyway to those accusations.
Who is Thomas Sankara
Thomas Sankara was born in 1949 in the village of Yako in Upper Volta (Burkina Faso). he undertook his education carrier and then ended up joining military training where he graduated and went to Madagascar for more official military studies including agriculture, interactions, and psychology. before returning to Upper Volta, Sankara attended some trainings in France where he was exposed to other ideologies in politics
By 1981, Sankara was a minister of internal affairs and he was upgraded to Prime minister by 1983 in the government of President Jean-Baptiste. In his new post, Sankara was able to meet more World leaders including Fidel Castro and others where he adopted anti-imperialism ideologies.
His acts were against the will of President Jean-Baptiste thus by may 1983, Sankara was removed as a Prime minister and got arrested.
in August 1983, Blaise Compaore who was Sankara's friend led the coup that freed Sankara and overthrew the government, and formed a National Council of Revolution that had Sankara as their leader. In his Presidency Sankara declared Democracy and revolution in all spheres of life.
Is Thomas Sankara an "African hero"?
Thomas Sankara is seen as a Hero due to the way he was ruling his people and he is seen as one of the most patriotic leaders Africa had ever had. He loved his country and people and he was ready to do anything to upgrade people's life as he lowered his salary and that of all public servants and banned the misuse of public funds. He emphasized education as he managed to increase the literacy rate and enhanced national massive vaccination against diseases.
Sankara adopted an anti-imperialism foreign policy against France's dominance and he called all African countries to stand against new colonialism. Sankara Changed the name of the Country from Upper Volta to the current name Burkina Faso.
He also directed the national land from riches to the local poor people and emphasized agriculture for a massive food supply. He headed his people toward civilization as he abolished the Circumcision conducts to women which was spread in his Country.
The current African generation is referring to Sankara as one of the patriotic, visionary, and Pan-African leaders that Africa had. His motives for development made him popular as being referred as a good example most leaders should learn from.
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