Hundreds of citizens and international supporters gathered at the Thomas Sankara memorial in Ouagadougou to pay tribute to his legacy.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the current transitional president, praised Sankara as a “great visionary” whose integrity, patriotism, and commitment to a sovereign Burkina Faso continue to inspire. He acknowledged Sankara’s vision as a guiding force in his own efforts to reclaim national territory and build a new Burkina Faso.
Retired Colonel-Major Daouda Traoré, president of the International Thomas Sankara Memorial Committee, expressed confidence in Burkina Faso’s progress towards endogenous development, aligning with Sankara’s ideals. He highlighted the ongoing construction of a mausoleum dedicated to Sankara and his companions, which will serve as a gathering place for those who believe in social justice and human rights.
The government of Burkina Faso has taken several steps to honor Sankara’s legacy, including elevating him to the rank of “Hero of the Nation,” establishing a day of homage, and constructing the memorial and mausoleum. Additionally, streets in the capital will soon be named after each of Sankara’s 12 companions who were killed alongside him in 1987.
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