The Radicalism of Thomas Sankara

Thomas Sankara said that change “[came] from nonconformity, the courage to turn your back on the old formulas, the courage to invent the future”. Sankara was the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso, and is remembered as a symbol of anti-imperialist struggle and radical progressivism. His life and political career were defined by his commitment to social justice, self-reliance, and equality.

Upbringing and Early Influences

Born on December 21, 1949, in Yako, French Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Thomas Sankara grew up in the town of Gaoua. Throughout his childhood, Sankara was exposed to both the hardships of colonial rule and how that impacted his country, all experiences that shaped his worldview.

Sankara was educated at a Catholic school, which provided him with critical thinking skills and a deep appreciation for justice. He later attended a military academy, where he distinguished himself as an intelligent and charismatic leader. During this period, he was introduced to revolutionary ideas through readings of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, and Frantz Fanon. Later, his travels across Africa and interactions with other progressive movements exposed him to the struggles of other post-colonial nations, solidifying his anti-imperialist, Pan-African stance.

Rise to Power

Thomas Sankara’s ascent to power was rooted in the political turbulence of Upper Volta in the late 20th century. By the late 1970s, the country’s government was dealing with corruption and was obligated to foreign powers. Sankara, as captain in the army, gained recognition for his outspoken critiques on the status quo and his alignment with grassroots movements which advocated for change.

In 1981, Sankara briefly served as Secretary of State for Information but resigned due to his disagreement with government policies. His reputation as a strong leader grew, leading to his appointment as Prime Minister in 1983. However, his radical vision and growing popularity alarmed the ruling elite, resulting in his arrest.

His arrest spurred a military coup on August 4, 1983, orchestrated by a group of young officers, including Blaise Compaoré, who installed Sankara as President. At just 33 years old, Sankara became the leader of a nation on the brink of transformation.

Rule and Reforms

Thomas Sankara’s four-year tenure (1983-1987) was marked by an ambitious agenda to dismantle neo colonial structures and uplift the Burkinabé people. Renaming the country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso (“Land of Upright People”), he emphasized national pride and unity.

Sankara implemented sweeping reforms across various sectors. He prioritized local production, urging citizens to “consume what we produce.” Land reforms redistributed resources to peasants, boosting agricultural output. Sankara also was a heavy champion of gender equality, appointing women to key government positions and advocating for their education and participation in the workforce. He became one of the first African leaders to openly support women’s liberation, placing laws that forbid things such as female gender mutilation and monogamy. He also confronted the AIDS epidemic in Burkina Faso, and his administration launched mass vaccination campaigns, drastically reducing infant mortality, and built schools to improve literacy rates.

However, despite all his achievements, Sankara’s radical policies and anti-imperialist rhetoric alienated powerful domestic and international parties. His uncompromising approach to equality and liberation generated tensions within his government and amongst allies.

Legacy and Impact

Thomas Sankara’s life was cut short on October 15, 1987, when he was assassinated during a coup led by his former ally Blaise Compaoré. Despite the short nature of his rule, his actions left a mark on Burkina Faso and the rest of the world.

Sankara has inspired countless activists and leaders worldwide, particularly within Africa and the Global South. His emphasis on self-reliance and resistance to foreign domination resonated with movements advocating for decolonization and sovereignty. His radical politics, rooted in dignity and self-determination, serve as a reminder of the power that principled leadership holds.

WORKS CITED:

Mthethwa, Nathi. “Thomas Sankara on the Emancipation of Women, An Internationalist Whose Ideas Live On !” Imprimer : " Thomas Sankara on the Emancipation of Women, an Internationalist Whose Ideas Live on ! " By Nathi Mthethwa, web.archive.org/web/20100612084128/thomassankara.net/spip.php?page=imprimir_articulo&id_article=269. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Sankara, Thomas. Women’s Liberation and the African Freedom Struggle. Pathfinder, 1990.

“Thomas Sankara.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 17 Dec. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Sankara.