We Are Heirs of the World’s Revolutions: Speeches from the Burkina Faso revolution 1983–87 by Thomas Sankara
There is often a focus on big ideas and the actions of “great” people when identifying historical changes that impact on our world. I think this is quite unhelpful as those ideas and individuals were not developed in isolation but rather due to their interactions with the wider world. Burkina Faso was defined by imperial domination, the dynamics of hierarchical class society and the conditions that developed through them. This is the point where I’ll introduce a great man called Thomas Sankara, someone whose unique position allowed him to lead a popular revolution which I believe is a shining example of realistic socialist change. His intelligence, charisma and compassion made him popular with peasants and workers as Prime Minister and after being imprisoned for his calls for progressive change the people of Burkina Faso overthrew the government and Sankara became President. It took much more than the ideas and acts of one man to make the changes that occurred, instead, it was the mass of the people demanding change that moved things forwards. This government had a big impact in a short time with women’s emancipation, land reform and food sovereignty being priorities to make the greatest difference to those in need. Sankara was heavily involved in all of this change as well as being a key voice on the international stage on the issue of debt which continues to suffocate the economies and people of countries dominated by wealthier, more powerful states. Obviously, the big dogs like France, the United States and the United Kingdom don’t like the idea of their debts not being paid, as always profits are put before people. Yet Sankara led by example and campaigned for debt relief and solidarity between African countries to strengthen that cause, a beautiful thing and one that I hope is realised for everyone’s sake.
The point of this ramble is that what Sankara and the people of Burkina Faso were doing was unacceptable to those at the head of the world order and in 1987 Sankara was assassinated and a counterrevolution ensued. What could have been if this hadn’t occurred is impossible to say, but it still stands up as an example of what is possible as an alternative to the norm. It also highlights the wretched nature of the current system which has no room for liberation and greater quality of life for all. 34 years later a trial is taking place which could potentially offer some form of justice to the man’s family, however, his legacy deserves more than that alone. Thankfully it receives more through celebrating his contributions to his society and reflecting on how the achievements of Burkina Faso may be part of current struggles across the world.