Thirty-nine years ago, on October 15, 1987, Thomas Sankara was assassinated. Today, Le Burkinabé honors his memory and reflects on the responsibilities his legacy places before us.

Sankara served as president of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987. His vision connected national dignity with the everyday needs of the people: food, education, health, and the ability to shape their own future.

For Le Burkinabé, his emphasis on food self-sufficiency holds particular meaning. Agriculture sustains families, preserves knowledge, and provides livelihoods. The ability to grow and produce locally also strengthens a community’s capacity to make decisions about its future.

Our guiding belief, “Nutrition is a Human Right,” reflects our own commitment to keeping nourishment and human dignity at the center of our work.

Remembering Across the Diaspora

For those of us in the diaspora, remembrance offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Burkina Faso and the people who continue to build its future.

We can begin with practical acts: learning history, sharing it thoughtfully with younger generations, valuing local makers and farmers, and building cultural exchanges rooted in listening and mutual respect.

Honoring Sankara requires engaging seriously with his ideas and asking how our everyday choices can better serve our communities.