Ouagadougou: Burkina Faso is set to inaugurate the Thomas Sankara Mausoleum on May 17, 2025, in honor of the leader of the August 1983 Revolution and his 12 companions who were assassinated in 1987. This monument serves as a historical act of remembrance, reflecting the determination of the Burkinabe people to reconnect with their disrupted history and continue their journey towards a promising future.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister in charge of Culture and Arts, Gilbert P. Ouedraogo, emphasized the dual purpose of the mausoleum: to honor Captain Thomas Sankara and his companions, and to preserve and promote their political legacy. Situated at the Thomas Sankara Memorial, the mausoleum stands as a testament to Burkina Faso’s resilience and commitment to determining its own path under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traore.
The mausoleum is strategically located where Sankara fell, symbolizing the resilient and visionary spirit of the Burkinabe people against imperialist pressures. It serves as a tribute to Sankara’s contribution to awakening national pride and dignity, and is intended to inspire future generations.
Additionally, the mausoleum honors all patriots who have fought for freedom across Africa, contributing to their dignity and justice. It serves as an educational site, a place for reflection, and a hub for patriots and pan-Africanists who resonate with Sankara’s ideals.
As a focal point for both national and pan-African identity, the monument is expected to become a significant heritage and tourist site in Ouagadougou. The inauguration of the Thomas Sankara Mausoleum marks a pivotal moment in reinforcing Burkina Faso’s identity, promoting justice and integrity, and fostering a collective memory among its people.
Colonel-Major Daouda Traore, President of the Advisory Board of the International Committee of the Thomas Sankara Memorial (CIMTS), reiterated that the mausoleum will play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the political legacy of the August 1983 Revolution.