By Korede Abdullah
Thirty-seven years ago, on this very day, October 15, 1987, the incomparable Thomas Sankara, a shining beacon of revolution and hope, was brutally silenced by the hands of mutiny. His vision for a united Africa, unshackled from the chains of Western imperialism, continues to inspire generations.
Dubbed the “African Che Guevara”, Sankara’s unwavering commitment to Marxism and Pan-Africanism ignited a flame of resistance across the continent. As the leader of Upper Volta, now Burkina Faso, he boldly renamed the country, shedding the vestiges of colonialism and embracing its true African identity, “The Land of Honor”.
Sankara’s leadership was a masterclass in selflessness, as he embodied the principles of simplicity and equality. His agrarian revolution aimed to vanquish famine, empowering his people through self-sufficiency. Education, a cornerstone of progress, was prioritized through mass literacy programs and free education for all. Healthcare was transformed through massive vaccination drives, shielding 2.5 million children from the ravages of disease.
His radical policies didn’t stop there. Sankara’s war on poverty was aggressively fought. According to him, “Poverty is not curse; it is a disease that has a cause”. He spearheaded a green revolution, planting ten million trees to combat desertification. Land reform followed, redistributing wealth from the powerful elite to the peasants who tilled the soil.
Though his life was cut short, Sankara’s legacy endures, a testament to the power of conviction and courage. His voice still echoes across Africa, inspiring those seeking freedom from oppression. As we remember this uncommon revolutionary, we honor his unwavering spirit and the unrelenting pursuit of justice. Rest in peace, Thomas Sankara, your revolutionary spirit lives on.
*Sankara is pictureed with the Afrobeat music icon, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti