Late Thomas Sankara’s statue unveiled in Burkina Faso capital Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso has unveiled a huge bronze statue in honour of its former president and revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara.

The statue was inaugurated on Saturday in Ouagadougou, the Burkinabe capital, on the sidelines of the African film festival, the Fespaco, and as part of the grand Sankara memorial monument.

Burkinabe president, Roch Kabore, was assisted by former Ghanaian leader, Jerry John Rawlings, and other members of the government to unveil the statue.

Burkinabe president, Roch Kabore, was assisted by former Ghanaian leader, Jerry John Rawlings, and other members of the government to unveil the statue.

In 1983, Sankara became president after participating in a coup that removed Col. Saye Zerbo from the presidency and subduing Maj. Jean-Baptiste Ouedraogo who was also struggling to take the nation’s top position.

One can never overestimate the fact that Sankara was one of Africa’s greatest ever revolutionaries and thinkers. Though his time in power as President of Burkina Faso was senselessly cut short, his ideals and legacy will forever be etched in African political history.

His statue was built on the very spot where on October 15, 1987, he and his comrades were murdered.

Burkinabe President Kaboré visited that particular site with former Ghanaian President Rawlings. Rawlings, who had come to power through a coup, was a great friend of the late Sankara.

“We have emotions on this site but we need to capitalize on these emotions to move forward. Those who fell here remind us that we are fighting for freedom and justice,” Rawlings said

For President Kaboré, the ideas and actions of Sankara must be preserved for future generations.

The unveiling of the statue is also seen as an important step in the construction process of the Thomas Sankara Memorial, according to Colonel Major Bernard Sanou, President of the International Thomas Sankara Memorial Committee.