Burkina Faso : The Prime Minister’s Office makes the Sankarist Revolution a source of inspiration for the future of the land of honest people

In Burkina Faso on Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Office orchestrated a public conference to highlight the lessons learned from the Sankarist Revolution (1983-1987). The objective of this event was to revisit and capitalize on the teachings of the Sankarist Revolution, in order to better mobilize the Burkinabé people around the major development projects initiated at that time.

Under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Director of Cabinet, Ferdinand Ouédraogo, on behalf of Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambéla, this conference was the epicenter of the National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Citizen Participation, initiated on March 25th by the President of the Burkinabé Revolution, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

The objective of this event, transcending the boundaries of time, was clear: to draw valuable lessons from the revolutionary past to illuminate the path of the future. « We must enrich ourselves with these lessons to move forward collectively », emphasized Ferdinand Ouédraogo, underlining the crucial importance of open and constructive debates to stimulate reflection and progress.

The conference was punctuated by enlightening presentations and eloquent contributions, highlighting the revolutionary period under the governance of President Thomas Sankara from 1983 to 1987. Luc Damiba, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, notably provided an assessment of patriotic engagement experiences in the history of Burkina Faso.

In a striking retrospective, Damiba recalled that the foundations of patriotic engagement were already present in the pre-colonial era, marked by communal practices and collective efforts. However, these values were undermined during colonization, subjected to coercive and oppressive practices.

It was through the Sankarist Revolution that Burkina Faso rediscovered its essence, liberating the people and ardently promoting hard work. This pivotal period instilled a new spirit of unity and commitment, thus laying the groundwork for a future marked by progress and solidarity.

The National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Citizen Participation, instituted in November 2023 by the Council of Ministers, symbolize a vibrant tribute to the revolutionary legacy. Every March 26th and October 2nd, these days will mark the celebration of the vision and ideals embodied by President Thomas Sankara, inspiring present and future generations to strive for a Burkina Faso that is ever stronger, united, and prosperous.

Sadia Nyaoré