Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, is often overlooked in global discourse. Yet, its history is rich with resilience, resistance, and revolution. From ancient kingdoms to colonial oppression, from post-independence struggles to modern-day challenges, Burkina Faso’s story is one of perseverance in the face of adversity. In this deep dive, we explore the lesser-known chapters of Burkina Faso’s past and how they connect to today’s most pressing global issues—climate change, political instability, and the fight for sovereignty.
Long before European colonization, the region now known as Burkina Faso was home to powerful kingdoms, most notably the Mossi states. The Mossi people established a series of centralized kingdoms, including Ouagadougou, Yatenga, and Tenkodogo, which thrived between the 11th and 19th centuries. These kingdoms were known for their sophisticated governance, military prowess, and resistance to external domination—particularly against the expanding Mali and Songhai empires.
Burkina Faso was a crossroads of trans-Saharan trade routes, connecting North Africa to the forest regions of the south. Gold, salt, and kola nuts were exchanged, fostering cultural and economic ties across the continent. The legacy of these trade networks still influences Burkina Faso’s cultural diversity today.
In the late 19th century, European powers carved up Africa during the Berlin Conference (1884-1885). France claimed what was then called Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) as part of French West Africa. The colonial administration exploited the region for its labor force, forcibly recruiting Burkinabé men to work on plantations and infrastructure projects in neighboring colonies like Côte d’Ivoire.
One of the most significant acts of resistance was the 1915-1916 uprising led by local chiefs and warriors against forced conscription and taxation. Though brutally suppressed, this rebellion became a symbol of defiance that would inspire future generations.
On August 5, 1960, Upper Volta gained independence from France, but the early years were marred by political instability and military coups. The country’s fortunes changed in 1983 when Captain Thomas Sankara seized power in a popular revolution.
Sankara, often called "Africa’s Che Guevara," implemented radical reforms:
- Land Redistribution: Breaking up feudal estates and giving land to peasants.
- Women’s Rights: Banning forced marriages and promoting gender equality.
- Self-Sufficiency: Encouraging local production over foreign imports.
- Anti-Imperialism: Rejecting Western aid and debt dependency.
His bold policies earned admiration across Africa but also made him enemies. In 1987, he was assassinated in a coup backed by foreign interests.
Since the 2010s, Burkina Faso has faced a growing threat from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Attacks have displaced over 2 million people, creating one of Africa’s worst humanitarian crises. The government’s reliance on foreign military support has sparked debates about sovereignty and neocolonialism.
Burkina Faso is on the frontlines of climate change. Droughts and desertification have devastated agriculture, pushing rural communities into poverty. The global north’s carbon emissions disproportionately affect countries like Burkina Faso, raising urgent questions about climate justice.
In 2022, another coup brought Captain Ibrahim Traoré to power, echoing Sankara’s revolutionary rhetoric. While some see him as a savior against corruption and extremism, others fear a return to authoritarianism.
Burkina Faso’s history is a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. From ancient kings to revolutionary leaders, the country has constantly fought for dignity and self-determination. Today, as the world grapples with inequality, climate disaster, and geopolitical turmoil, Burkina Faso’s struggles and triumphs offer valuable lessons.
The question remains: Will the international community stand with Burkina Faso, or will it continue to be sidelined in global affairs? The answer may shape not just Burkina Faso’s future, but the future of all nations fighting for justice in an unequal world.