The Kenyan Scholar

Before his untimely demise, Thomas Sankara changed the name of his beloved country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which meant ‘Land of the Incorruptibles.’ He believed the French system was corrupted and was only out to exploit and corrupt their people. That was his fight. He gave his life to that. But before Thomas Sankara’s death, he left a prophecy. He said:

“While revolutionaries as individuals can be murdered, you cannot kill ideas”.

This prophecy, indeed, has come to pass. Just a few months after his controversial death, a new baby was born. This baby would be named and grow up as Ibrahim Traore, the new president of Burkina Faso, and the youngest president in Africa at just age 34. He is not just any ordinary president.

His mentality about the content of Africa is different. He works and thinks like Thomas Sankara. He is serving and thinking like Thomas Sankara. This has made people entertain the thought that Thomas Sankara has come back in the form of Ibrahim Traore. Many people now think of him as the next Sankara.

Just like Sankara, Ibrahi Traore has risen against the French. He led a coupe that led to the dethronement of the government of the country, which many say was a government placed by France and ruled by France. All the country’s natural resources went to France and made France rich, while the country and other French African countries suffered in poverty.

Did you know French African countries are the poorest in Africa?

In terms of development, they are still behind. They are now opening their eyes to believe that France is the cause. That is why in September 2022, Ibrahim Traore, a low ranking officer known by no one who ran an artillery regiment in a small northern town, was catapulted onto the world stage by leading a group of soldiers to overthrow the government of President Paul-Henri Damiba, who took power just 8 months prior to that in January of the same year.

Interestingly enough, Traore has a lot in common with country’s beloved national icon, Thomas Sankara. They both captains. They both seized power at the age of 34. And, they both took down a military regime that had itself come to power just 8 months prior. It’s almost like a story straight out of a Hollywood action film.

But the reality is Burkina Faso as at a critical crossroads and Traore’s leadership will undoubtedly shape the country’s future and that of Africa. Ibrahim Traore believes the virus that is killing Burkina Faso is France. And just Thomas Sankara tried to cut France off, he too has already started doing that and has taken steps to end that by signing business and military deals with Russia, who seem to also have interest in the region and other African countries.

Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin organized a summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and invited many African countries, especially the African countries who were under the influence of France. They all turned up in their numbers, and the summit took the world by storm as young Ibrahim Traore gave the most powerful and controversial speech about how colonial masters still have a grip on Africa. He also emphasized the reason why Africa is still so poor despite the fact that they have so many natural resources. He also said:

We are the forgotten people of the world, and we are here now to talk about the future of our countries, about how things how things will be tomorrow in the world that we are seeking to build and in which there will be no interference in our internal affairs.

He also spoke about ow Russia and Burkina Faso and the same vision and outlook, and expressed hope that the Russia Africa summit will bring forth better opportunities for establishing fair trade in the world and building bilateral relations. The main powerful part of his speech is when he said:

Why does resource rich Africa remain the poorest region of the world? We ask these questions and get no answers. However, we have the opportunity to build new relationships that will help us build a better future for Burkina Faso. However, a slave who does not fight for his freedom is not worthy of any indulgence. The heads of African states should not behave like puppets in the hands of the imperialists. We must ensure that our countries are self-sufficient, including as regards food supplies, and can meet all of the needs of our people. Glory and respect to our people. Victory to our people. Homeland or death.

This summit is coming not long after a summit, which was hosted by the U.S. inviting African leaders. African leaders turned up, but it never ended well, as all African countries never agreed to the propositions of the U.S. Just a few days ago, Ibrahim Traore warned France and the U.S. that if the U.S. and France threatened to attack Niger’s new military leader, they will consider it as an attack on them too. This has sparked a lot of controversy and unrest in Niger as France is evacuating its citizens and every European who wants to leave.

You may ask, why does France want to invade Niger?

Recently, Niger’s new military leader ousted the former government place by France in the country. They didn’t just end there. They also burned the export of gold and uranium to France. Also, if you didn’t know, the uranium from Niger powers almost one third of all homes in France with electricity, while over 85% of homes in Niger have no electricity. And, when the ban was announced, France threatened to attack Niger and even moved 1000 of its troops from Mali to the capital of Niger.

So do you know some of Thomas Sankara’s achievements, and do you think Ibrahim Traore can walk in the legend’s footsteps?

Sankara’s dedication to his people was the perhaps most defining cornerstone of his achievements. He was a true champion of the poor, and he worked tirelessly to improve their lives. He implemented policies to reduce poverty, increase employment, and provide access to health care and education for all. Sadly, his time in office was cut short when he was assassinated in 1987, but his legacy lives on and continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice and equality. None, however, exemplifies his model example of a true, revolutionary leader as does his fellow countryman, Ibrahim Troure.