On this day in 1983, Marxist revolutionary Thomas Sankara became president of Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, in a popularly supported coup. Read on to learn how he transformed Burkina Faso into a shining Pan-African beacon, breaking colonial chains. 🧵
At just 33 years old, Thomas Sankara rose to the presidency of Burkina Faso with a daring coup. His leadership was cut short after only four years with an assassination believed to have been backed by the US and France. Despite this abrupt end, Sankara’s time in office brought radical change.
Sankara launched a nationwide literacy campaign, driving the literacy rate up from 13% in 1983 to 73% by 1987. He also redistributed land from feudal landlords, giving it to the peasants. His revolution extended into public health, where 2.5 million children were vaccinated against meningitis, yellow fever, and measles.
Sankara slashed his own salary to $450 a month and limited his possessions to just a car, four bikes, guitars, a fridge, and a freezer. He also sold off the government’s fleet of Mercedes cars, replacing them with the cheapest car available in Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso, a country long devastated by colonial-enforced underdevelopment, lacked basic infrastructure. Under Sankara’s leadership, new roads and railways were constructed to connect the nation. He also converted the army’s provisioning store into the country’s first supermarket.
Sankara was a staunch advocate for women’s rights, appointing women to senior positions and ensuring they had access to pregnancy leave while continuing their education. His belief in gender equality is summed up in his famous quote: “There is no true social revolution without the liberation of women.”
Sankara rejected foreign aid, famously saying, “He who feeds you, controls you.” He called on African nations to unite in repudiating foreign debt, arguing that the impoverished should not be forced to pay the wealthy.
Sankara’s humble lifestyle and dedication to his principles earned him deep admiration from his people. He became known for his socialist programs, fearless opposition to the national elite, and his bold challenges to Western imperialism and neo-colonialism.
Today, Thomas Sankara remains an enduring symbol of radical change, continuing to inspire Burkina Faso’s evolving political landscape.
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