Thomas Sankara: An African revolutionary

Thomas Sankara, the president of Burkina Faso, was a Marxist who asserted his country's independence from France and other Western powers while seeking to build a genuine pan-African unity. He and his colleagues initiated economic and social policies that shifted away from dependence on foreign aid and toward a greater use of the country's own resources to build schools, health clinics, and public works. Sankara's sweeping vision and practical reforms won him admirers both in Burkina Faso and across Africa, but a combination of domestic opposition groups and factions within his own government and the army led to his assassination in 1987. This is the first English-language book to tell the story of Sankara's life and struggles, drawing on the author's extensive first-hand research and reporting on Burkina Faso.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2024
Publisher: Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd

Thomas Sankara, often referred to as the African Che Guevara, held the presidency of Burkina Faso, one of the most impoverished nations in Africa, until his tragic assassination during the military coup that brought down his government. Despite his relatively brief tenure in office, Sankara left an indelible mark on the history and development of his country. An ardent Marxist, he vociferously championed Burkina Faso's independence from France and other Western powers, while simultaneously striving to foster genuine pan-African unity. Julius Malema and the Economic Freedom Fighters hold him in high regard. Ernest Harsch meticulously chronicles Sankara's life, from his student days to his enlistment in the military, early political awakening, and growing frustration with his country's extreme poverty and political corruption. As he ascended to higher leadership positions, he utilized those offices to mobilize people for change and to counter the influence of the old, corrupt elites. Sankara and his colleagues implemented economic and social policies that shifted away from dependence on foreign aid and towards a greater utilization of the country's own resources to construct schools, health clinics, and public works. Although Sankara's sweeping vision and practical reforms garnered him admiration both in Burkina Faso and across Africa, a convergence of domestic opposition groups, factions within his own government, and the army ultimately led to his assassination in 1987. This is the first English-language book to recount the story of Sankara's life and struggles, drawing upon the author's extensive firsthand research and reporting on Burkina Faso, including interviews with the late leader. Decades after his death, Sankara continues to serve as an inspiration to young people throughout Africa for his unwavering integrity, idealism, and unwavering commitment to independence and self-determination.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 180 x 110 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781431421091