On October 15, 1987 (37yrs ago), Thomas Sankara, then President and transformative leader of Burkina Faso, was assassinated in a coup led by Blaise Compaoré, a close associate. Compaoré assumed the presidency and ruled until 2014, when a domestic uprising forced him into exile in Ivory Coast. Five months after Sankara’s murder, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s current President, was born (March 14, 1988).
Blaise Compaoré has since expressed remorse for his role and asked for forgiveness from the Burkinabe people and Thomas Sankara’s family.
Today, many Africans debate whether forgiveness should be granted and if he should be allowed to return to the country. I believe in the power of forgiveness for healing and the salvation of second chances. However, I also urge African people to consider:
How can this situation be strategically leveraged for effective nation-building? What intelligence could be extracted to strengthen domestic defense operations?
As a condition for considering a presidential pardon or sentencing reduction, Compaoré should disclose critical intelligence, including:
- Direct Involvement and Support: Did you act alone? If not, who were your collaborators? List the countries, entities, and individuals involved, including their roles and support given.
- Foreign Influence: Which foreign countries or agencies contacted or supported you, and how did they communicate? What role did foreign intelligence play?
- Detailed Planning: Provide a complete timeline and coordination details of the plan. Who funded, provided equipment, or orchestrated activities?
- Promises and Conditions: What were the promises given to you and your collaborators for a successful coup? What terms were set, and what did you bargain for?
- Execution and Modifications: Describe how the plan unfolded, including any last-minute changes. Were foreign agencies involved in any decisions or adjustments?
- Post-Coup Roles and Policies: What was the foreign involvement in appointing officials and structuring the government post-coup? Describe any foreign-directed policies or programs aimed at reversing Sankara’s initiatives.
- Domestic Influence and Control: How did you identify and manage internal opposition? Were foreign entities involved in tracking or suppressing resistance?
- Media and Public Opinion: Was there a strategy to influence public perception? How did media, domestic or international, play a role, and who guided this narrative?
- Military and Economic Dependencies: What defense or economic agreements were established with foreign nations? Which sectors or policies were influenced by external interests?
- Exile and Contingency: Which countries provided exile, and was it part of an initial arrangement? Were backup plans established in case the coup faced resistance?
- Potential Collaboration for Redemption: Are you willing to work with the current administration to rectify past actions?
These preliminary are questions that African people can strategically use to extract intelligence from this situation. In exchange, the current government may consider significant concessions. Such intelligence is invaluable, for it would sharpen vigilance and strengthen the defensive foundations of African nation-building.
Onward & Upward!
~Dr. Ikenna Ezealah
Nation Upbuilding 