Title: Living As Thomas Sankara Taught.
Content: “Some of Thomas Sankara’s Reforms Can Be Found in The Unesco Edition Of”: ‘Birthright of Man”
Today.do we find the same passage in Ibrahim Traore’s current agricultural initiatives and the principle espoused by Thomas Sankara, the former president known for his emphasis on self-reliance, agrarian reform, and social justice?
A Special edition coming on Monday 3rd June 2024 :With BERLA-MUNDI, Ghana’s best, finest and number one broadcast journalist.
Time : 06 :00am : At: assumptagh.live/ Politics-Business, and Economics.
A quarter century after the 15 October 1987 assassination of Thomas Sankara in a military coup, the late president of Burkina Faso remains a near-mythical hero for many young people in his country and across Africa.
They idealise the image of a committed leader, who during four years as leader of a small, Sahelian nation sought to improve the lives of ordinary people while at the same time projecting the country onto the international arena.
(1)Why has popular interest in Sankara persisted for so long, despite the collapse of his short-lived revolutionary venture?
(2)How is it that each anniversary of his death draws hundreds, if not thousands, to commemorations at his gravesite?
This article offers some retrospective reflections and re-examines those features of Sankara’s revolutionary era that still resonate with many citizens today, as well as those that have been left behind
Introduction:
Thomas Sankara’s enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, his vision and actions during his presidency resonated deeply with the aspirations of many young Africans for social justice, self-reliance, and pan-African solidarity. Sankara’s efforts to improve the lives of ordinary people through policies like land reform, education, and healthcare left a lasting impact on his country and inspired similar movements across the continent.
Secondly, Sankara’s personal charisma and commitment to his principles made him a symbol of resistance against imperialism and corruption. His bold stance against foreign interference and his dedication to rooting out corruption within his own government earned him admiration both at home and abroad.
Additionally, Sankara’s tragic death in a military coup cut short his revolutionary project, leaving many supporters feeling a sense of unfinished business and a desire to continue his legacy. Each anniversary of his death serves as a reminder of the sacrifices he made and the ideals he stood for, inspiring renewed commitment to the struggle for social justice and self-determination.
Lastly, Sankara’s story has been kept alive through various forms of media, including documentaries, books, and music, ensuring that his legacy remains relevant to new generations of Africans seeking inspiration and guidance in their own struggles for a better future.
Berla-Mundi: The people of Burkina Faso today have readily entrusted themselves to their new leader, Ibrahim Traore, in the hope of finding solutions to their admittedly pressing difficulties, thus indicating a choice in their political system. Indeed, their wisdom lies in understanding history and recognizing the potential of methods championed by Thomas Sankara, such as self-reliance and agrarian reform, alongside contemporary agricultural initiatives, to lead them towards self-reliance.This insight can guide them towards sustainable solutions for their community.
Berla-Mundi: President Traore, your reflections strike a chord. It’s clear that those who colonise us possess a peculiar sensitivity to their own plight while remaining largely indifferent to the suffering of Burkina Faso’s people.
President Traore: Sadly, that’s the reality we face, Berla-Mundi. For the preservation of our freedom, it’s crucial that every individual possesses the cognitive capacity to evaluate how political actions impact our lives and well-being.
Berla-Mundi: I share your sentiment, President Traore. How do you propose we equip our people with such discernment?
President Traore: I believe, Berla-Mundi, that the answer lies in nurturing a philosophy founded on love and respect for all humanity. It’s through wisdom alone that we can forestall the encroachment of imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, and even fascism.
Berla-Mundi: Your vision is profound, President Traore. By fostering a culture of empathy and critical thinking, we can empower our citizens to navigate the complexities of our political landscape with clarity and compassion.
President Traore: Exactly, Berla-Mundi. Education will be our greatest tool in cultivating such wisdom among our people, ensuring that they are not only free in body but also in mind.
Berla-Mundi: We can find the same passage in the “Writings of Nichiren Daishonin : “Even if it seems that, because I was born in the ruler’s domain, I follow him in my actions, I will never follow him in my heart” ( WND, 579)
President Traore:
Thank you -That’s a profound quote, echoing the sentiment that one’s allegiance lies not in mere proximity to power but in the convictions of the heart.
Certainly. The quote from Nichiren Daishonin reflects a deeper truth about our personal integrity and moral allegiance. It suggests that despite being born within a ruler’s domain or under a certain authority, one’s true loyalty should not be blindly directed by external circumstances or influence. Instead, it emphasises the importance of maintaining one’s own moral compass and ethical principles, even in the face of societal pressures or expectations. In essence, it underscores the significance of individual autonomy and the necessity of following one’s conscience above all else.
The quote resonates with the ideologies and actions of leaders like Thomas Sankara, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and myself Ibrahim Traore, I prioritised personal integrity and ethical leadership.
Thomas Sankara, Kwame Nkrumah, known for their emphasis on self-reliance, agrarian reform, and social justice, exemplified the principle of following one’s convictions despite external pressures. They stood firm in their commitment to uplifting Ghana, Burkina Faso and African people, even if it meant challenging established power structures or facing opposition from external forces.
Similarly, myself as Ibrahim Traore, as a new leader entrusted with addressing Burkina Faso’s challenges, can draw inspiration from this quote. It reminds me that true leadership is not about blindly following the status quo or catering to external influences, but rather about staying true to one’s principles and serving the people with integrity and compassion.
In essence, the quote highlights the importance of leaders like Sankara, Kwame Nkrumah and myself Traore remaining steadfast in our dedication to the well-being of our nation, even in the face of external pressures or temptations to compromise their values.
Berla-Mundi: Although some of Thomas Sankara’s reforms can be found in the Unesco Edition Of”: ‘Birthright of Man” Today. do we find the same passage in your current agricultural initiatives and the principle espoused by Thomas Sankara, the former president known for his emphasis on self-reliance, agrarian reform, and social justice?
President Traore: Yes, there seems to be a parallel between Thomas Sankara’s emphasis on self-reliance, agrarian reform, and social justice, and my current agricultural initiatives. We both leaders prioritise empowering our people through sustainable agricultural practices and promoting self-sufficiency. This continuity reflects a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of Burkina Faso’s population and building upon the legacy of leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Thomas Sankara to achieve lasting progress and development.
As long as traders, farmers, nurses, transportation drivers, conductors, teachers, etc., remain deeply disillusioned with the country’s economic policies, and even if there’s minimal concern about political reforms that fail to improve their living conditions, their profound dissatisfaction will prevail. This discontent can lead them to align with individuals or parties with nefarious intentions. This pattern mirrors how imperialism, capitalism, and colonialism have historically exploited such grievances in Africa, contributing to its reputation as the most impoverished continent.
Berla-Mundi : Your observation highlights a critical aspect of governance: the need for policies that directly improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. When economic policies fail to address the needs of various sectors, it can lead to widespread dissatisfaction and create fertile ground for extremist ideologies or political movements with harmful intentions. This cycle of discontentment has been exploited throughout history by imperialist and capitalist forces, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by many African nations. Recognizing and addressing these grievances is essential for fostering stability, prosperity, and genuine progress in the continent.
Berla-Mundi: “For example, let’s look at Ghana’s lower middle-class, squeezed between the capitalist system and ineffective trade unions incapable of organising to assist workers unpaid for months, including their allowances. Now, this lower middle-class has become explosive and is turning to movements like the ‘New Force Movement,’ promising financial relief and more. What are your thoughts on this?”
President Traore: The situation you’ve described illustrates the challenges faced by the lower middle-class in Ghana, particularly in navigating the capitalist system and dealing with ineffective trade unions. When workers are consistently unpaid for months, including their allowances, it creates frustration and discontent among this demographic.
The emergence of movements like the “New Force Movement,” which promises financial relief and other benefits to the struggling middle-class, is not surprising in such circumstances. People often gravitate towards populist movements or promises of immediate relief when they feel neglected or marginalised by existing systems.
However, it’s essential to approach such promises with caution. While they may offer short-term solutions, they might not address the root causes of the problem or have sustainable long-term effects. Additionally, movements making grand promises without clear plans or accountability mechanisms can potentially lead to further disillusionment if they fail to deliver on their pledges.
Ultimately, addressing the grievances of the lower middle-class requires comprehensive reforms, including improvements to labour rights, economic policies that prioritise the well-being of all citizens, and strengthening of institutions to ensure accountability and transparency.
“Thank you, President Traore, for your insight. We honor the tireless efforts you are making for peace, freedom, and justice. Until next time.”
