Burkina Faso's transitional government renamed on Sunday Boulevard Charles de Gaulle in the country's capital Ouagadougou after pan-africanist and former leader of the state Thomas Sankara, who was killed on October 15, 1987, media reported, citing Burkinabe Civil Service Minister Bassolma Bazie.
"Today the Boulevard has been named Boulevard Thomas Sankara instead of Boulevard Charles de Gaulle. So today we're very proud. Because if the Boulevard had been named after imperialists, today we think that we also have heroes, we also have valiant Burkinabe [after whom we] can name these Boulevards or streets [...]" the minister was quoted as saying during the memorial ceremony.
Bazie reportedly added that October 15 will be the commemoration day of the late revolutionary president.
"Article 1. The late Captain Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara is recognised as a Hero of the Nation [...] The day of homage to the late Captain Isidore Thomas Noël Sankara is to be celebrated every 15th of October in Ouagadougou," Bazie noted.
According to the media, the ceremony, held in Ouagadougou, was attended by the relatives of the late leader and the authorities, including the country's Interim President Ibrahim Traore.
In addition, a foundation stone for Sankara's mausoleum, which is planned to be built on the very site of the late leader's assassination, was laid by Traore, the outlet said.
In early October, the deceased president was reportedly recognized as a hero of the nation.
Along with his 12 companions, Sankara, who was often referred to as "Africa's Che Guevara [the iconic revolutionary from South America]" by his supporters, was assassinated by Compaore 36 years ago. In 2022, the latter was sentenced to life in prison over this murder.
The late anti-imperialist leader launched social, ecological and economic programs in the country, addressing social inequalities. Aiming to eliminate Western dominance over the state, he also rejected aid from organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and tried to diversify sources of assistance.
Moreover, Sankara changed the name of the country from French colonial variant Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which could be translated as "Land of Incorruptible People."