Thomas Sankara was one of Africa's most important anti-imperialist
leaders of the late 20th Century. His declaration that fundamental
socio-political change would require a 'certain amount of madness'
drove the Burkinabe Revolution and resurfaced in the country's
popular uprising in 2014.
This book looks at
Sankara's political philosophies and legacies and their relevance
today. Analyses of his synthesis of Pan-Africanism and humanist
Marxist politics, as well as his approach to gender, development,
ecology and decolonisation offer new insights to Sankarist political
philosophies. Critical evaluations of the limitations of the
revolution examine his relationship with labour unions and other
aspects of his leadership style. His legacy is revealed by looking at
contemporary activists, artists and politicians who draw inspiration
from Sankarist thought in social movement struggles today, from South
Africa to Burkina Faso.
In the 30th
anniversary of his assassination, this book illustrates how Sankara's
political praxis continues to provide lessons and hope for
decolonisation struggles today.