Burkina Faso Turns to "Africa’s Che Guevara" to Rally Against Extremism
In a move to unite a nation plagued by extremist threats and disillusioned with former Western allies, the military rulers of Burkina Faso have revived the legacy of Thomas Sankara, a charismatic Marxist leader known as "Africa’s Che Guevara." Hundreds of young people gathered in the capital, Ouagadougou, to celebrate the opening of a mausoleum in Sankara’s honor, a project championed by current military leader Capt. Ibrahim Traore.
Sankara, who came to power in 1983 at the age of 33, was a passionate advocate for self-reliance and anti-imperialism. His presidency was marked by radical reforms, but his life was cut short in a 1987 coup led by his former ally, Blaise Compaore. Nearly four decades later, Sankara’s legacy continues to inspire a new generation of Burkinabés. "When I stepped inside the mausoleum, I felt the revolution," said 22-year-old Timoté, who attended the opening ceremony.
The mausoleum, designed by renowned architect Francis Kéré, is a testament to Sankara’s enduring influence. Capt. Traore, who seized power in a 2022 coup, has sought to emulate Sankara’s revolutionary spirit, naming a main street after him and invoking his slogans in speeches. According to Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, the mausoleum aims to "keep the flame of the revolution alive" and remind the world of Sankara’s fight against "slavery and imperialist domination."
However, despite the fanfare surrounding Sankara’s legacy, Burkina Faso remains a country in crisis. More than 60% of the territory is outside government control, with over 2 million people displaced and 6.5 million in need of humanitarian aid. Human rights groups have criticized the military leadership for installing a system of de facto censorship, while security concerns have become a constant presence in daily life. "We can go out for a bit in the city centre, but with caution," said a student from the northern region, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The stark contrast between the celebratory atmosphere in Ouagadougou and the harsh realities elsewhere in the country has led some to describe two coexisting Burkinabés. "One where the streets are deserted at night, and another that comes alive to enjoy the cool evening air," said a teacher from the east, also speaking anonymously. As Burkina Faso navigates its tumultuous present, the legacy of Thomas Sankara serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s complex history and its ongoing quest for stability and self-determination.
