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Burkina Faso Rallies Around “Africa’s Che Guevara” Amidst Crisis
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Beset by challenges in quelling extremism and distancing itself from Western alliances, Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta is looking to the legacy of Thomas Sankara, once dubbed “Africa’s Che Guevara,” to unite the country. This renewed focus comes as the nation grapples with ongoing security issues and seeks a unifying figure.
A Mausoleum for a Revolutionary Icon
Over the weekend, hundreds of young citizens convened in Ouagadougou, the capital city, to inaugurate a mausoleum commemorating the iconic leader Thomas Sankara. The event served as a powerful symbol of national identity and resurgence.
“I’m the driver of the revolution!” a young man exclaimed, sitting in Sankara’s jeep.
The Legacy of Thomas Sankara
Thomas Sankara, a magnetic Marxist leader, gained global prominence in 1983. At age 33, he and ally Blaise Compaore spearheaded a leftist coup, deposing a moderate military group. Compaore then betrayed Sankara in 1987, staging a coup and assassinating him. Compaore subsequently assumed the presidency.
An Anti-Imperialist Movement
Nearly four decades following his death, Sankara’s anti-imperialist and pan-African legacy is being honored in Burkina Faso, a nation of 23 million people celebrated for its artistic output and robust intellectual community.
“When I stepped inside the mausoleum, I felt the revolution,” remarked Timoté, a 22-year-old inspired by stories of Sankara heard at home and in school.
The Mausoleum Project
The Thomas Sankara mausoleum, envisioned by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Francis Kéré, was spearheaded by current military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore.
Traore’s Homage to Sankara
Since seizing power in a 2022 coup, Traore has portrayed himself as the successor to Sankara. He renamed a major thoroughfare after Sankara, promoted him to the status of a national hero, and reinstated revolutionary slogans like “Fatherland or death, we will win!”.
The mausoleum’s mission, as stated by Burkina Faso Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, 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’s Unstable Situation
Despite promising to address the security crisis, Burkina Faso’s military rulers have struggled to contain the escalating unrest. Conservative estimates suggest that over 60% of the nation is now beyond government control, with more than 2 million displaced and almost 6.5 million requiring humanitarian assistance.
- Over 60% of the country remains outside government control.
- More than 2 million people have been displaced.
- Approximately 6.5 million require humanitarian aid.
Crackdown and Censorship
Human rights organizations report a system of de facto censorship under the military leadership, suppressing dissent. Many have tragically fallen victim to either extremist groups or government forces.
A Nation Divided
While citizens congregated in Ouagadougou to commemorate Sankara, the stark circumstances in other regions of Burkina Faso presented a contrasting reality.
“We can go out for a bit in the city center, but with caution,” said one student, highlighting the restrictions on free expression and mobility.
Security Concerns and Rising Costs
Concerns about security have permeated all aspects of life in Ouagadougou. The increased insecurity has dramatically affected everyday life.
“There are two Burkina Fasos,” a teacher said. “One where the streets are deserted at night, and another that comes alive to enjoy the cool evening air.”