Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso| In a historic and symbolic move, Burkina Faso’s transitional President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, officially renamed one of the capital’s major thoroughfares, Boulevard Charles de Gaulle, as Boulevard Thomas Sankara, in honor of the country’s iconic revolutionary leader.
The event marked a pivotal step in reaffirming national identity and paying homage to one of Africa’s most revered anti-imperialist figures.
The renaming ceremony was held on the 36th anniversary of Captain Thomas Sankara’s assassination in 1987, and was accompanied by the laying of a foundation stone for a mausoleum at the exact site where Sankara and twelve of his close associates were killed during a coup d’état.
The solemn occasion was attended by Sankara’s family members, high-ranking officials, and citizens who gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of the former president.
Earlier in October, the government of Burkina Faso formally conferred upon Sankara the title of “Hero of the Nation.” This official recognition was announced by the Minister of Civil Service, Bassolma Bazié, who stated:
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Burkina Faso
“Article 1. The late Captain Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara is recognised as a Hero of the Nation […] The day of homage to the late Captain Isidore Thomas Noël Sankara is to be celebrated every 15th of October in Ouagadougou.”
President Traoré used the occasion to launch 15 days of nationwide patriotism dialogues, a campaign aimed at reinforcing national unity, civic values, and remembrance of Burkina Faso’s historical leaders.
“Today, we’re very proud,” Traoré declared during his address. “We also have heroes, valiant Burkinabè, after whom we can name these boulevards or streets. We are reclaiming our history and honoring those who fought for our sovereignty.”
The renaming of the boulevard—which previously bore the name of a French colonial figure—signifies a broader shift in Burkina Faso’s efforts to redefine its public spaces, moving away from colonial legacies and toward celebrating indigenous leaders and African unity.
The new Boulevard Thomas Sankara runs adjacent to the Thomas Sankara Memorial Park, where the mausoleum will be constructed.
Sankara, who led Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987, is remembered for his bold reforms, anti-corruption stance, advocacy for women’s rights, and commitment to Pan-Africanism.
Thomas Sankara, Former leader of Burkina Faso assassinated during a coup
Often referred to as “Africa’s Che Guevara,” his revolutionary government was cut short by a coup led by his former ally, Blaise Compaoré, who subsequently ruled the country for 27 years.
The tributes paid by the current transitional government reflect growing national sentiment for a return to Sankara’s ideals in a time of political uncertainty and continued insecurity.
The construction of the mausoleum and the institutionalization of October 15 as a national day of remembrance further entrench his legacy in the nation’s collective memory.
Through these acts, Burkina Faso is not only paying homage to a fallen hero, but also making a clear statement about its aspirations for sovereignty, dignity, and justice rooted in African values.
