Burkina Faso commemorates Thomas Sankara, urging citizens to uphold his ideals
via Lefaso.net4 min read
Burkina Faso recently held its 8th annual commemoration of Thomas Sankara, a ceremony instituted by the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The event, themed "Thomas Sankara lives on," gathered government officials, diplomatic corps, international organization representatives, and citizens to honor Sankara's legacy. Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, emphasized Sankara's universal appeal, stating he belongs to humanity and not just Burkina Faso. The tribute also honored companions who fell with Sankara in October 1987. The Minister highlighted Sankara's enduring ideals of human dignity, social justice, people's emancipation, international solidarity, and Pan-Africanism, which continue to inspire globally. He also recalled Sankara's international visits between 1983 and 1987, where he promoted African unity, sovereignty, and cooperation. Ouédraogo called on Burkinabè at home and abroad, as well as international partners, to support the completion of the Thomas Sankara Memorial's infrastructure and to contribute archives, historical documents, and objects related to Sankara. He also sought diplomatic support to retrieve archives from countries Sankara visited. Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the ceremony, expressing emotion and recognition for Sankara, whom he considers a major figure in contemporary African history. Traoré stated that Sankara's prophecy of "thousands of Sankaras" is
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