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Thomas Sankara

Burkina Faso

Former President of Burkina Faso who was known as a revolutionary. He was assassinated in 1987 during a coup d'etat.


More by user: lingabire
Created: 22nd Jul 2008
Modified: 22nd Jul 2008
Professional Information
Working primarily in:
Burkina Faso

Description of Work:


Biographical Information
Thomas Sankara
(At a Glance)
Gender: male
Place of Origin: Burkina Faso

President Sankara's full name is Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara and he was born on Dec. 21, 1949 in Yako, Haute Volta, the ancient name of Burkina Faso. A military officier, a panafricanist, and tiers-mondiste burkinabé; he revived and led the burkinabe revolution of Aug 4, 1983 until his assassination during a coup d'etat led by Blaise Compaoré his successor.

President Thomas Sankara, leader of the revolution, was assassinated on Oct. 15, 1987. A statesman and a leader from a young age, Sankara always believed his destiny to be president and lead Burkina Faso out of poverty.

Sankara is considered the African Che Guevara. He fought against poverty , illiteracy, and for women's rights.  His leadership led to the name change, Burkina Faso and the adoption of republican characteristics notably the color of the flag, the emblême, the motto and the hymne.

Thomas Sankara left a legacy to future generations that includes the spirit of hope, the emblem of integrity, and the historic conscience of the inalienability of the fight against all oppressions.






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