A Short History of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, has a history shaped by powerful pre-colonial empires, French colonial rule, struggles for independence, and post-independence political turmoil. Today, it remains a nation with strong cultural traditions, resilience, and an ongoing pursuit of political stability and economic development.

Early History and the Mossi Kingdoms (Before 1896)

The land that is now Burkina Faso has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of early hunter-gatherer societies dating back to 14,000 BCE. By 2000 BCE, agricultural settlements developed, and iron-working technology spread across the region.

Around the 11th century, the Mossi people, who are the dominant ethnic group today, migrated from present-day Ghana and established powerful kingdoms, including:

• The Kingdom of Ouagadougou
• The Kingdom of Yatenga
• The Kingdom of Gourma

The Mossi kingdoms were known for their military strength and centralized governance under the rule of kings called Mogho Naba. They engaged in trade with the Mali and Songhai Empires, exchanging gold, salt, and livestock.

Despite their power, the Mossi resisted Islamic influence and maintained traditional spiritual practices. Their military strength also enabled them to resist external invasions, including attacks from the Mali Empire.

However, by the 19th century, the region faced growing pressure from European colonial expansion.

French Colonization (1896-1960)

During the Scramble for Africa, France sought to expand its influence in West Africa. After several battles with the Mossi, the French defeated the Kingdom of Ouagadougou in 1896 and made the area part of French West Africa.

Under French rule:

• Burkina Faso became a source of forced labor for plantations in Côte d'Ivoire.
• Traditional governance systems were weakened as France imposed direct rule.
• Limited infrastructure was developed, mainly to serve French economic interests.

In 1919, France established the colony of Upper Volta (modern Burkina Faso), but in 1932, they dissolved it, splitting the territory between Mali, Niger, and Côte d’Ivoire. Due to pressure from Burkinabe leaders, Upper Volta was restored in 1947.

During the 1950s, nationalist movements grew, demanding independence. France, facing decolonization across Africa, granted Burkina Faso full independence on August 5, 1960, with Maurice Yaméogo as its first president.

Post-Independence and Political Instability (1960-1983)

Maurice Yaméogo, the first leader of independent Burkina Faso, established a one-party state and ruled with increasing authoritarianism. His government faced economic hardship, corruption, and public unrest. In 1966, the military staged a coup, led by Sangoulé Lamizana, who ruled until 1980.

From 1966 to 1983, Burkina Faso experienced frequent coups, unstable leadership, and economic struggles. Various military and civilian governments attempted reforms, but none succeeded in stabilizing the country.

Thomas Sankara and the Burkinabe Revolution (1983-1987)

In 1983, Captain Thomas Sankara, a young and charismatic military officer, took power through a coup backed by his close ally Blaise Compaoré. Sankara was a revolutionary socialist, inspired by leaders like Che Guevara.

His government launched radical reforms, including:

• Renaming the country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso ("Land of Upright People") in 1984.
• Nationalizing resources and reducing foreign dependency.
• Mass literacy campaigns and major investments in healthcare.
• Women’s rights initiatives, including banning forced marriages and promoting female education.

Sankara’s policies made him popular among the people but angered foreign powers and internal elites. In 1987, he was assassinated in a coup led by his former ally Blaise Compaoré, who took over as president.

Blaise Compaoré’s Rule (1987-2014)

Compaoré reversed many of Sankara’s socialist policies, reopened the economy to foreign investment, and maintained strong ties with France and the West. However, his rule was marked by:

• Authoritarianism and suppression of opposition.
• Allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.
• Growing public frustration over economic inequality.

Compaoré remained in power for 27 years but faced increasing opposition. In 2014, when he attempted to extend his rule through constitutional changes, mass protests erupted. Facing pressure, he resigned and fled to Côte d’Ivoire.

Recent Political Challenges and Security Issues (2014-Present)

After Compaoré’s fall, Burkina Faso transitioned to democracy, electing Roch Marc Christian Kaboré as president in 2015. However, the country faced several challenges:

• Terrorism – Islamist militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda and ISIS have carried out attacks in the north and east, causing thousands of deaths and displacing over a million people.
• Military Coups – In January 2022, the military, led by Paul-Henri Damiba, overthrew Kaboré, citing security failures. However, another coup in September 2022, led by Ibrahim Traoré, removed Damiba.

As of today, Burkina Faso remains under military rule, which is generally accepted by the people, who hope for better security and development in the country.

Burkina Faso Today: Challenges and Hopes

Despite its political instability, Burkina Faso has strengths:

• A rich cultural heritage, with strong traditions of music, dance, and craftsmanship.
• Agriculture and mining, especially in gold production, which boosts the economy.
• Resilient people, committed to improving their country despite hardships.

The future depends on achieving security, stable governance, and economic development while preserving the revolutionary ideals of justice and equality.

Conclusion

Burkina Faso’s history is one of resistance, change, and resilience. From the mighty Mossi kingdoms to French colonial rule, independence struggles, and the revolutionary leadership of Thomas Sankara, the country has faced many transformations. While modern challenges like terrorism and political instability persist, Burkina Faso continues to embody the spirit of its name—the "Land of Upright People."

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