Africa's Che Guevara: Thomas Sankara's Tragic Story

The Real Story of Thomas Sankara: How Africa's Che Guevara was Killed by his Best Friend

On October 15, 1987, Thomas Sankara, the president of Burkina Faso, was assassinated in Ouagadougou, the capital city. This event was orchestrated by his best friend and colleague, Blaise Compaoré. Sankara's death marked the end of a four-year revolution that had transformed the West African country.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Thomas Sankara was a charismatic leader who rose to power in Burkina Faso and implemented radical reforms, earning him the nickname "Africa's Che Guevara." The standard story goes that Sankara's revolutionary policies and his refusal to align with France, the former colonial power, made him many enemies, ultimately leading to his downfall. However, this narrative oversimplifies the complex events surrounding Sankara's life and death, and it neglects the crucial role played by those closest to him.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Pierre Englebert and Nicolas Van De Walle have meticulously documented the events leading up to Sankara's assassination. On August 4, 1983, Sankara seized power in a coup, and by 1985, he had implemented a range of radical policies, including land reform and the vaccination of millions of children. According to Sankara's biographer, Ernest Harsch, by 1986, Sankara's government had become increasingly isolated, both domestically and internationally. Sankara's own cabinet members, including his best friend Blaise Compaoré, were secretly meeting with French and Ivorian officials to discuss his overthrow. As the plot unfolded, Sankara remained unaware of the danger lurking within his inner circle. On September 20, 1987, Compaoré and his co-conspirators put their plan into action, and just a few weeks later, Sankara was dead. Historian Baz Lecocq notes that the events surrounding Sankara's assassination were complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of internal power struggles and external pressures. By examining the evidence and accounts from named sources, it becomes clear that Sankara's death was not just the result of external forces, but also of the actions of those he trusted most.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians and journalists have long been aware of the circumstances surrounding Thomas Sankara's death, but the story was deliberately suppressed by the French government and Burkina Faso's ruling party. The French government, in particular, played a significant role in silencing the truth, as they had strong economic interests in the region and did not want to draw attention to their involvement in Sankara's assassination. Blaise Compaoré, Sankara's former friend and colleague, also worked to conceal his role in the killing, using his position as president of Burkina Faso to control the narrative and prevent a thorough investigation. One concrete reason why this history was not told is that key documents and evidence were destroyed or hidden by Compaoré's government, making it difficult for investigators to piece together the events surrounding Sankara's death. The international community also failed to push for a full investigation, allowing Compaoré to maintain his grip on power and keep the truth hidden.

The Ripple Effect

The consequences of Sankara's assassination were far-reaching and had a direct impact on the lives of Burkinabé citizens. The country's economic development stagnated, and the standard of living declined significantly. The lack of transparency and accountability in government also led to widespread corruption and human rights abuses. One specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the ongoing struggle for democratic governance in Burkina Faso, where citizens continue to demand justice and accountability from their leaders. The country's fragile political system and ongoing instability are a direct result of the power vacuum created by Sankara's death and Compaoré's subsequent rule.

The Line That Says It All

Thomas Sankara was shot and killed on October 15, 1987, in a coup led by his former friend and colleague Blaise Compaoré, who then ruled Burkina Faso for nearly three decades.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the life and death of Thomas Sankara and the history of Burkina Faso.