Burkina Faso this week commemorated 38 years since the assassination of Captain Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara, the revolutionary leader remembered across Africa for his vision of independence, social justice, and self-reliance.

In a statement marking the anniversary, President Ibrahim Traoré, Head of State and President of the Transition, paid tribute to the late leader, calling him “a worthy son of Africa.”

“On the occasion of the 38th commemoration of the ignoble assassination of Captain Thomas Isidore Noël SANKARA, I renew my homage to this worthy son of Africa whose commitment and struggle for a dignified, sovereign, and prosperous Burkina Faso are unparalleled,” wrote Capitaine Ibrahim Traoré.

Sankara, often dubbed “Africa’s Che Guevara,” led Burkina Faso from 1983 until his assassination in 1987. His policies emphasised self-sufficiency, women’s rights, education, and the fight against corruption, ideals that continue to inspire generations across the continent.

President Traoré reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continuing Sankara’s legacy through the Progressive Popular Revolution, a movement aimed at building a renewed and self-reliant nation.

“His action and his discourse constitute an inexhaustible source of inspiration and a compass that guides the conduct of the Progressive Popular Revolution for a new Burkina Faso.
With courage and pride, we will keep the flame of the Burkinabè Renaissance alight!
Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome.”