Burkina Faso is paying tribute to its late revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara, on the 20th anniversary of his assassination.
Burkina Faso is paying tribute to its late revolutionary leader, Thomas Sankara, on the 20th anniversary of his assassination.
Known as Africa's Che Guevara, Captain Sankara was hailed by admirers as a charismatic and revolutionary leader.
Known as Africa's Che Guevara, Captain Sankara was hailed by admirers as a charismatic and revolutionary leader.
But he was killed when his former comrade and current President Blaise Compaore seized power in a coup.
But he was killed when his former comrade and current President Blaise Compaore seized power in a coup.
Crowds greeted Sankara's widow, Mariam, as she arrived on Sunday in the capital from French exile for commemorations.
Crowds greeted Sankara's widow, Mariam, as she arrived in the capital from exile in France for the commemorations.
Rival events are reported to be being held.
Rival events are reported to be being held.
The government has organised a conference on democracy and development before holding a concert on 20 October, whilst Sankara supporters are holding their own gathering and concert to remember him.
The government has organised a conference on democracy and development before holding a concert on 20 October, whilst Sankara supporters are holding their own gathering and concert to remember him.
A group of Sankara supporters from as far away as Mexico have arrived in Ouagadougou to pay tribute to him.
A group of Sankara supporters from as far away as Mexico have arrived in Ouagadougou to pay tribute to him.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is also due in the country on Monday at the start of his seventh trip to Africa since taking office in 2003.
He is scheduled to hold talks with Mr Compaore.
Sankara himself seized power in a coup in 1983 masterminded by Blaise Compaore.
Sankara himself seized power in a coup in 1983 masterminded by Blaise Compaore.
He gained plaudits for strongly promoting health and women's rights but antagonised many vested interests in the country.
He gained plaudits for strongly promoting health and women's rights but antagonised many vested interests in the country.
He also had a knack for publicity, and famously replaced government Mercedes Benz cars with small Renaults.
He also had a knack for publicity, and famously replaced government Mercedes Benz cars with small Renaults.
Send us your memories of Sankara and his legacy using the form below.
Send us your memories of Sankara and his legacy using the form below.
Good things don't last, but bad things tend to stay very long. Some events in some African states are typical examples. Thomas is a true African and all positive, and if he comes back 20 times we will always stand by him as a true African.John Ene, Lagos, Nigeria
Good things don't last, but bad things tend to stay very long. Some events in some African states are typical examples. Thomas is a true African and all positive, and if he comes back 20 times we will always stand by him as a true African.John Ene, Lagos, Nigeria
