The Land of Thomas Sankara — Africa’s Che Guevara
Burkina Faso’s name — meaning “Land of Upright People” — was given by the revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara in 1984. Sankara (president 1983-1987) is remembered as one of Africa’s most iconic leaders — a Marxist-revolutionary who refused foreign aid, promoted women’s rights (banned forced marriage and female genital mutilation, appointed women to cabinet), drove national literacy, and lived a deliberately austere life. He was assassinated in a 1987 coup by his friend Blaise Compaoré, who then ruled for 27 years.
Burkina Faso has had two coups in 2022 alone — President Roch Kaboré was overthrown in January 2022, his replacement (Damiba) in September 2022. The current leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré (age 34 at the time of taking power), has ejected French forces and aligned with Russia, Mali, and Niger.
The country is under severe pressure from Islamist insurgents (JNIM, ISIS-Sahel) — over 40% of the national territory is outside government control, with over 2 million people internally displaced.
A Brief History
Home to the Mossi kingdoms (11th-19th centuries), which resisted Islamisation from West African empires. French colony (Upper Volta) from 1896. Independence in 1960. Renamed Burkina Faso in 1984 by Thomas Sankara. Blaise Compaoré ruled 1987-2014, ousted by popular protest. Democratic period 2015-2022 ended with two coups.
Geography and Climate
Burkina Faso covers 272,967 km². Terrain: savanna and semi-arid Sahel in the north. Climate: hot, with a single rainy season.
Culture, Language and Religion
French is official; Mooré (Mossi language) is most widely spoken. Religion: approximately 60% Muslim, 25% Christian, 15% traditional African religions.
The Economy
Burkina Faso has a low-income economy (~$20 billion GDP). Gold and cotton are the main exports. The country has become Africa’s 4th-largest gold producer.
Travel Guide
Strongly discouraged outside Ouagadougou.
Surprising Facts
- Thomas Sankara refused the official presidential Mercedes — he drove a Renault 5 and required his ministers to do the same.
- Burkina Faso means “Land of Upright People” — combining Mooré (burkina = upright) and Dyula (faso = fatherland).
- FESPACO — the Ouagadougou Pan-African film festival — is Africa’s largest cinema event.
- The W-Arly-Pendjari Complex — shared with Niger and Benin — is West Africa’s most important wildlife sanctuary.
- Captain Ibrahim Traoré — taking power at 34 in 2022 — is one of the world’s youngest heads of state and has developed a following across the Pan-Africanist movement.
- Burkina’s national motto — “Homeland or death, we shall triumph” — came from Sankara.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.