Thomas Sankara, born on December 21, 1949, was a prominent political and revolutionary leader in Burkina Faso, West Africa. In the 80s, Burkina Faso was plagued by economic hardships and social inequality. This, unfortunately, resulted in a military coup, also known as the August Revolution, led by Thomas Sankara and Blaise Compaoré. Thomas Sankara then became the president in 1983. As the President of Burkina Faso, he cut down his salary and that of his top officials and sold luxury cars to support social projects in Burkina Faso. His policies and actions resonated with the marginalized and ordinary citizens, gaining widespread popularity within Burkina Faso and across Africa.  

Tragically, Sankara’s tenure was cut short by a military coup in 1987. He was assassinated at the age of 37, and his death marked the end of his transformative leadership. In 2022, Thomas Sankara’s ex-best friend and former president, Blaise Compaoré, was found guilty of his murder and was sentenced to life in prison in absentia. 

Top Six Quotes by Thomas Sankara

Quote 1: Imperialism

“Imperialism is a system of exploitation that occurs not only in the brutal form of those who come with guns to conquer territory. Imperialism often occurs in more subtle forms, a loan, food aid, blackmail.”

Sankara argues that imperialism, which refers to the domination and exploitation of one nation by another, is not limited to direct military invasion and territorial conquest. He suggests that imperialism can occur in other forms, including economic control, financial manipulation and coercive tactics. Sankara highlights that these subtle methods, like loans with conditionalities, food aid with strings attached, or political blackmail, can also perpetuate the cycle of exploitation and hinder the development and sovereignty of nations.

Quote 2: Impactful and Lasting Ideas 

“While revolutionaries as individuals can be murdered, you cannot kill ideas.”

The quote reflects a broader historical context in which revolutionary leaders and activists often face risks, persecution, or even assassination for challenging existing power structures. Sankara acknowledges the dangers faced by those who challenge oppressive systems but emphasizes that their ideas, ideologies and principles hold a transformative and lasting impact that transcends the fate of individuals. Therefore, while people might be eliminated, the ideas they champion can continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue change and challenge oppressive systems.

 Ideas have the power to resonate with others, spark conversations, and ignite movements for social change. Even if a revolutionary leader is removed, their ideas can inspire others to carry the torch forward and advocate for justice and progress. Therefore, though he was assassinated, his legacy lives on forever.

Quote 3: Dangers of Overdependency

“He who feeds you controls you.”

The quote highlights the relationship between dependency on external resources or support and the control that comes with it. When someone or a group has the ability to provide food, resources, or basic necessities to others, they can exert influence and control over the recipients. The quote emphasizes the vulnerability of individuals or communities who are reliant on others for their basic needs. It suggests that a lack of self-sufficiency or dependence on external sources for survival can result in compromised autonomy and susceptibility to manipulation or exploitation. 

 It implies that attaining a level of economic or resource autonomy is vital for preserving individual or collective agency and reducing dependence on external actors. The quote encourages critical examination of relationships and dependencies, urging individuals and communities to be mindful of the power dynamics associated with the provision of resources. It highlights the need for awareness and agency in navigating such relationships and the potential consequences of unequal power distribution.

Quote 4: Women’s marginalization

“I can hear the roar of women’s silence.”

The quote acknowledges women’s unspoken stories, challenges, discrimination, and oppression that women face, often without explicit protest or vocalization. It is a symbol of the collective experiences of historically marginalized women. It serves as a reminder of the need to listen attentively to women’s narratives, struggles, and aspirations and give them the space and platform to be heard. It also highlights the importance of empowering women to share their stories, perspectives, and aspirations, enabling them to contribute fully to society. The quote serves as a call to action, urging societies to create inclusive spaces where women are encouraged to speak up, be heard, and actively participate in decision-making. It reminds us of the need to dismantle barriers that stifle women’s voices and address the root causes of their silence.

Quote 5: Transformative change

“You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness.”

It implies that traditional approaches may not be sufficient to address complex societal problems, and those novel ideas, even if deemed unconventional or “mad,” can pave the way for breakthrough solutions. Transformative actions often involve stepping beyond comfort zones and embracing unconventional methods or ideas. It encourages activists and change-makers to think outside the box, challenge the established order, and employ innovative strategies to achieve their objectives. It recognizes that true transformation often occurs when individuals or collectives challenge existing frameworks and propose alternative visions of social, economic, or political systems.

Quote 6: Inventing the Future

“We must dare to invent the future.”

The quote emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the present and imagining a future that is different and better than the current reality. It encourages individuals and societies to think creatively, challenge conventional wisdom, and explore uncharted territories in order to shape a more promising future.

The phrase suggests that inventing the future requires stepping outside comfort zones and being willing to take calculated risks. It acknowledges that progress often involves venturing into the unknown, trying new approaches, and embracing uncertainty to achieve transformative outcomes. The quote signifies the need to overcome the constraints of existing structures, beliefs, and systems. It encourages individuals to question the status quo, push boundaries, and transcend limitations in order to create a future that surpasses current expectations.

By: Jean Emmanuel (Burkina Faso)