
Burkina Faso is finally getting some form of justice for the murder of slain president and pan-African, Thomas Sankara. Exiled president Blaise Compaoré will be tried in absentia for the assassination of his compatriot Thomas Sankara. Compoaré is currently exiled in Cote D’Ivore after being in power for 27 years. He was forced out of power after an attempt to extend his term. The proverbial chickens came home to roost with mass protesters torched parliament buildings while chanting Sankara’s name.
Thomas Sankara who was killed at the age of 38, was credited with widespread social and economic reform. He led a countrywide immunisation programme, built schools and was a key supporter of women’s liberation. Rejecting aid from organisations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Sankara worked to build a self dependent country fit for Burkinabe’s (upright men).
A lot of publications refer to Sankara as Africa’s Che Guevara yet it seems much more beffiting for him to be remembered as one of a kind. A leader who declined the huge entourage vehicles favoured by todays politicians and chose to drive himself in a Peugeot. A leader who took on the development of his own country with such gusto that many years later, scholars still marvel at the liberating reforms and inroads he was able to make during his time in power.
Unfortunately, Compaoré will not get a taste of prison. Cote d’ivore is reluctant to extradite him for reasons that may be linked to their rumoured involvement in the assassination. France has also been called upon to release classified documents that may reveal its involvement in the assassination of Thomas Sankara.
Whether the trial will provide answers remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, his presence still looms larger than ever and to quote his famous words: “While revolutions as ideas can be murdered, you cannot kill ideas”.
UPDATE: Compaoré has been sentence to life imprisonment for the murder of Thomas Sankara. He continues to live in exile in Ivory Coast.