Nature 15

This struggle to defend the trees and forests is above all a struggle against imperialism. Imperialism is the arsonist setting fire to our forests and our savannahs.

The Militant (14.02.2022): Thomas Sankara spoke for the oppressed all over the world.

Thomas Sankara (1949-1987) was a revolutionary, pan-Africanist and internationalist. He became President of Burkina Faso in 1983 in a coup, and was assassinated in 1987 in a Western (CIA) backed plot. His successor, Blaise Compaoré, was likely involved in the murder, and was ousted in 2014 after 27 years in office. In 2021, Compaoré was tried in his absence before a military court on suspicion of involvement in the assassination of Sankara.

Sankara brought together issues such as gender, the environment and democracy with criticism of colonial domination. Sankara's government contained more women than that of any other African country, and his bodyguards were women on motorcycles. He forbade circumcision and polygamy and promoted contraception. During his rule, state luxury cars were sold and cheap vehicles purchased in their place, education and health care were improved, land reform was carried out, reforestation was promoted and international development aid rejected.

The Guardian (11.10.2021): Trial Opens in Burkina Faso over Killing of Revolutionary Hero Thomas Sankara.

1986