By John Ikani
The remains of President Thomas Sankara and his 12 companions will finally receive the dignified burial they deserve after 36 long years.
Announcing the long-awaited move in a statement on Friday, Burkina Faso’s transition government said the late President and his fellow revolutionaries will be laid to rest at the Thomas Sankara Memorial in Ouagadougou later this month.
The decision to give the legendary “Africa’s Che Guevara” the proper send-off he deserves was a result of consultations with the Armed Forces, families of the victims, religious leaders, and the International Committee of the Thomas Sankara Memorial.
The late President was buried in haste with 12 of his comrades after being overthrown in a 1987 coup.
It wasn’t until May of 2015, the bodies of President Sankara and his fellow People’s Democratic Revolution (RDP) members were exhumed as part of a legal process to confirm their identities.
An earlier attempt to exhume the remains was met with stiff resistance by Sankara’s successor, Blaise Compaoré who left office in 2014 amid street protests.
Mr Compaoré received a life sentence in absentia for his role in the assassination of Sankara.
The reburial will follow traditional funeral rites and will be honored with religious and military ceremonies.
More About Thomas Sankara
Thomas Sankara is best known for his time as the President of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987, during which he implemented a series of far-reaching reforms aimed at improving the lives of the country’s citizens and promoting equality and justice.
He is remembered for his efforts to reduce poverty, increase access to healthcare and education, and empower women.
Sankara was a strong advocate for environmental protection and sustainable development, and was one of the first African leaders to address these issues on a national scale.
Sankara was also known for his charismatic and inspiring leadership style, as well as his revolutionary ideas and progressive policies.
He is widely regarded as a visionary leader who sought to create a better future for all people, regardless of their background or station in life.
His legacy continues to inspire people around the world, and he is remembered as one of Africa’s most dynamic and influential leaders.
