Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – The people of Burkina Faso have unveiled a grand statue of their former president, Captain Thomas Sankara, in a vibrant ceremony in the capital, Ouagadougou. The monument, inaugurated on May 17, 2025, by Burkina Faso’s current leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, stands as a tribute to the revolutionary leader assassinated in 1987.

Sankara, often called “Africa’s Che Guevara,” led Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987, championing self-reliance, anti-imperialism, and social justice. During his tenure, he implemented policies that boosted literacy by 60%, built 350 schools, and vaccinated 2.5 million children, among other achievements. His outspoken criticism of Western interference in Africa made him a target, leading to his assassination at age 37.

The statue, part of the newly opened Thomas Sankara Memorial and Museum, designed by renowned Burkinabe architect Francis Kéré, symbolizes a resurgence of Sankarist ideals. The 14-hectare site includes a mausoleum, an 87-meter tower, an amphitheater, and green spaces for community gatherings. “This is not just a statue; it is a beacon of African dignity and resistance,” said Kéré.

Current President Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup, has been hailed as Sankara’s ideological heir. Traoré’s policies echo Sankara’s anti-imperialist stance, including expelling French troops and nationalizing resources. His leadership in forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) alongside Mali and Niger marks a bold step toward regional sovereignty.

Sankara’s vision continues to inspire beyond Burkina Faso, resonating with Pan-Africanists across the continent and diaspora. The ceremony, attended by thousands, drew international attention, with solidarity protests across West Africa denouncing foreign interference.

As Burkina Faso navigates ongoing security challenges, the statue stands as a symbol of hope and defiance. “Sankara’s spirit lives in us, in Captain Traoré, and in every African fighting for our land and resources,” said a young protester at the event.

The Thomas Sankara Memorial is expected to become a pilgrimage site for Pan-Africanists, reinforcing Burkina Faso’s role as a beacon of resistance in the Sahel and beyond.

For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest And Interesting News Across Nigeria And The World