The Untold History of Burkina Faso: A Journey Through Time and Resilience
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Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, is often overshadowed in global discourse despite its rich history and cultural heritage. From ancient kingdoms to colonial oppression, revolutionary movements to modern-day struggles, Burkina Faso’s past is a testament to resilience and resistance. In this blog, we’ll explore the country’s historical milestones, connecting them to contemporary global issues such as political instability, climate change, and economic inequality.
Long before European colonization, Burkina Faso was home to powerful kingdoms, most notably the Mossi states. Emerging around the 11th century, these kingdoms—such as Ouagadougou, Yatenga, and Tenkodogo—were known for their sophisticated governance, military strength, and trade networks. The Mossi people resisted Islamic and later European incursions for centuries, maintaining their autonomy through diplomacy and warfare.
Burkina Faso (then known as Upper Volta) was a crossroads for trans-Saharan trade routes. Gold, salt, and kola nuts passed through its territories, linking West Africa to North Africa and beyond. This era highlights the interconnectedness of African economies long before globalization became a buzzword—a reminder of Africa’s historical agency in world trade.
In the late 19th century, France colonized Burkina Faso, incorporating it into French West Africa. The colonial administration exploited the region for labor and resources, forcing Burkinabè into harsh conditions on plantations and infrastructure projects. The infamous Indigénat system legalized racial discrimination, imposing forced labor and arbitrary punishments.
Resistance was fierce. Figures like Thomas Sankara’s ideological predecessors—such as Nazi Boni, a writer and activist—laid the groundwork for later liberation struggles. The 1915-1916 Volta-Bani War, one of Africa’s largest anti-colonial uprisings, saw local communities unite against French forces. Though suppressed, these movements sowed the seeds of independence.
Burkina Faso gained independence in 1960, initially as the Republic of Upper Volta. However, the early decades were marred by coups, corruption, and economic stagnation. The country’s fortunes changed temporarily in 1983 when Thomas Sankara seized power in a revolutionary coup.
Sankara, often called "Africa’s Che Guevara," launched sweeping reforms:
- Land redistribution to peasants
- Women’s rights advancements, including banning forced marriages
- Environmental initiatives, like tree-planting campaigns
- Economic self-sufficiency, rejecting foreign aid dependency
His assassination in 1987 (allegedly orchestrated by his successor, Blaise Compaoré) cut short a transformative era. Yet, Sankara’s legacy endures, inspiring global movements against neoliberalism and imperialism.
Burkina Faso remains volatile. The 2014 ousting of Compaoré after 27 years in power sparked hope, but recent coups (2022, 2023) reflect deeper crises: weak institutions, foreign interference, and jihadist insurgencies. These issues mirror struggles in Mali, Niger, and beyond—highlighting the Sahel’s instability as a global security concern.
Burkina Faso is on the frontline of climate change. Desertification, erratic rainfall, and land degradation threaten agriculture, which employs 80% of the population. The resulting food crises fuel migration and conflict, echoing debates on climate justice and Western responsibility for carbon emissions.
Despite formal independence, Burkina Faso remains entangled in neocolonial economic structures. French corporations dominate key sectors like mining (gold, zinc), while the CFA franc—a colonial-era currency—limits monetary sovereignty. This sparks debates about economic decolonization and Pan-African solidarity.
Burkina Faso’s story is one of resistance and resilience. From Mossi warriors to Sankara’s revolution, its people have consistently fought for dignity and self-determination. Today, their struggles intersect with global crises—from militarization in the Sahel to climate-induced displacement.
Understanding Burkina Faso’s history isn’t just about the past; it’s a lens to examine inequality, imperialism, and environmental justice in our interconnected world. As the Burkinabè say: "La patrie ou la mort, nous vaincrons!" ("The homeland or death, we will win!"). Their fight continues—and the world should pay attention.
Further Reading:
- Thomas Sankara Speaks (collection of Sankara’s speeches)
- Burkina Faso: A History of Power, Protest, and Revolution by Ernest Harsch
- Documentaries: "Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man"
Let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts on Burkina Faso’s role in global activism!