Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta is invoking the revolutionary spirit of Thomas Sankara—often hailed as “Africa’s Che Guevara”—to rally national pride and unity as the country grapples with growing insecurity, extremist violence, and a rejection of former Western allies.
In the capital, Ouagadougou, hundreds of enthusiastic youth gathered over the weekend for the inauguration of a grand mausoleum dedicated to Sankara, the iconic Marxist leader who was assassinated nearly four decades ago. The ceremony, rich in symbolism and revolutionary rhetoric, highlighted how the country’s current rulers are drawing on Sankara’s anti-imperialist legacy in an attempt to foster resilience amid turmoil.
“I’m the driver of the revolution!” shouted one excited young man, posing behind the wheel of the original jeep used by Sankara during his presidency in the 1980s. The vehicle, now restored and on display at the mausoleum site, served as a potent symbol of Sankara’s grassroots leadership and commitment to self-reliance.
A Revolutionary Reborn
Thomas Sankara became president of Burkina Faso in 1983 at just 33 years old following a leftist military coup he orchestrated with his then-ally Blaise Compaoré. Known for his charismatic leadership, Sankara captivated global attention with his bold anti-colonial stance, his efforts to eradicate corruption, and his calls for African self-sufficiency.
Under his leadership, Burkina Faso—then one of the poorest nations in the world—launched ambitious programs focused on women’s empowerment, public health, education, and environmental sustainability. He famously renamed the country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, meaning “Land of Incorruptible People.”
Sankara’s revolution was cut short in 1987 when Compaoré turned against him in a coup that ended in Sankara’s assassination. Compaoré would go on to rule the country for 27 years.
Now, nearly 40 years later, Sankara’s memory is being revived in a striking manner by the current junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup. Under Traoré’s leadership, the government has elevated Sankara to the status of national hero and integrated his revolutionary slogans into public discourse.
A Monument to Memory
The newly inaugurated mausoleum was designed by renowned architect Francis Kéré, the first African recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. The sleek and modern structure is now a landmark in Ouagadougou and is part of a broader campaign to cement Sankara’s legacy into the national consciousness.
“This mausoleum is not just a tomb—it is a beacon of resistance and revolution,” declared Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo during the unveiling ceremony, reading a statement from Traoré. “Its mission is to keep the flame of the revolution alive and to remind the world of Captain Thomas Sankara’s fight to break the chains of slavery and imperialist domination.”
The event attracted a wide cross-section of the population, especially younger citizens who weren’t alive during Sankara’s reign but have grown up hearing his ideals passed down through families and schools.
“When I stepped inside the mausoleum, I felt the revolution,” said 22-year-old Timoté. “Sankara believed in us—the youth, the future. That’s why I’m here.”
A Nation in Crisis
Despite the emotional and symbolic triumph in the capital, Burkina Faso remains a country under siege. The very issues that inspired Traoré’s rise to power—worsening insecurity and rampant jihadist violence—have only intensified. Analysts estimate that more than 60% of the country’s territory is now outside of government control.
The UN and humanitarian organizations report that over 2 million people have been displaced, and nearly 6.5 million need urgent humanitarian assistance. Violence from extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State has devastated rural communities, especially in the north and east.
“Things are getting worse,” said a student from the northern city of Dori, who spoke under condition of anonymity. “We can go out in the city center, but only with caution. The threat is constant, and so is the fear.”
This dual reality—a capital city energized by revolutionary revival, and a countryside gripped by violence and fear—has led many to question the government’s priorities.
“There are two Burkina Fasos,” said a teacher from the east, also requesting anonymity for security reasons. “One where the streets are deserted at night, and another that comes alive to enjoy the cool evening air in relative safety. It’s as if we are living in parallel worlds.”
Freedom Under Pressure
As the military government doubles down on its revolutionary narrative, critics argue that civil liberties are being curtailed. Human rights groups have accused the regime of suppressing dissent and implementing de facto censorship. Journalists and activists report increasing risks for those who speak out against the government or military operations.
International media and diplomatic observers have also noted the government’s pivot away from traditional Western allies like France, a shift that has further complicated the security landscape. In their place, the junta has sought closer ties with other African military regimes and partners like Russia.
The economic impact of the conflict is also becoming more apparent. With many roads and regions under militant control, supply chains are disrupted, and basic goods have become more expensive. Even the price of beer has reportedly soared in regions once known for bustling nightlife.
A Symbol of Hope—or a Political Tool?
While the mausoleum and the resurrection of Sankara’s ideals have struck a chord with many Burkinabè, others worry that the legacy is being weaponized for political gain.
“It’s powerful to see Sankara honored, but I fear his image is being used to mask the failures of the present,” said a political analyst in Ouagadougou. “Symbols are important, but they are not a substitute for real security or governance.”
Still, for a country starved of hope, the symbolism carries weight. The mausoleum stands as a reminder of what was once possible—and perhaps what could be again.
As Burkina Faso stands at a crossroads, the question remains whether the revolutionary ideals of Thomas Sankara can truly be resurrected—or whether they risk being buried beneath the realities of a deepening crisis.
