Assassinated by the governments that wanted to keep Burkina Faso under their control da Barbara Bonanno BNNRRB Tramite Flickr: Thomas Sankara (December 21, 1949 – October 15, 1987) Thomas Sankara was born in Yako, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), into a humble family as the eldest of four children. His father worked for the postal service and was a local teacher, while his mother instilled values of discipline, honesty, and solidarity. From an early age, Sankara showed great curiosity, determination, and a sense of responsibility. After completing his studies, he joined the military and attended the Military Academy, where he stood out for his discipline, intellectual abilities, and leadership skills. This military training prepared him to lead his country through challenging times and to undertake significant political and social responsibilities. In 1983, Sankara led a revolutionary coup and became president of Burkina Faso. He identified as a socialist and pan-Africanist and implemented **radical and courageous reforms**, including: - Nationalization of natural resources and fight against corruption - Agrarian reform and mass literacy programs - Promotion of women's rights and gender equality - Economic independence and rejection of neocolonialism His radical and independent policies provoked **strong opposition both internally and externally**, particularly from France and other Western powers concerned about his anti-imperialist stance and opposition to international economic interference. On October 15, 1987, Sankara was **assassinated during a military coup** led by his former ally Blaise Compaoré, alongside other government members. His murder was a **political assassination**, motivated by his defense of national sovereignty, progressive programs, and refusal to submit to foreign interests and corrupt domestic elites. Years later, official investigations and trials confirmed the involvement of foreign powers, particularly French intelligence services, with several of the conspirators arrested and convicted. Thomas Sankara is remembered as the **"African Che Guevara"**, a symbol of **integrity, courage, independence, and social revolution**, continuing to inspire movements for social justice and freedom in Africa and around the world. I publish this series of figures to awaken consciences and to remember how many people died defending truth, justice, and the rights of the oppressed. I want to highlight the injustices that still exist and show young people that the only thing we can do is to fight, because evil still rules and continues to target those who try to make a difference. This series is an invitation to remember, reflect, and never accept injustice.
