Thomas Sankara's wife: 'He knew he was at risk all the time' - BBC Africa

Mariam Sankara, the widow of former Burkina Faso President Thomas Sankara, says “justice is needed” as the trial for his murder starts.
Sankara was assassinated in 1987, having taken power in 1983.
He has been called "Africa's Che Guevara" for his socialist and revolutionary beliefs and policies.
His widow says he knew he was in danger from those who disagreed with the direction in which he was taking Burkina Faso.
Interview by Caroline Loyer
Filmed by Sam Robinson
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Website: www.bbc.com/africa
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[@syedm.hharis3009]

This man was a pure gem. If Africa has just 10 presidents who think and act like sankara, Africa would be a super power

[@eluyou7103]

Yes now support Dr Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia he is the good plan for Africans

[@maliksy7746]

@@eluyou7103 right

[@desoticambinza8676]

@@eluyou7103 Interesting to know that. The afrikan people in general even the ones who live in the diaspora should know the benefit of Studying and overtand the concept of Pan-African. It could help most us making a very critical decision who we want to represent us, and keeping us united. ❤🖤💚✊🏾

[@eluyou7103]

@@desoticambinza8676 thank you for your good idea and thinking. we African stand together reform our unit..

[@desoticambinza8676]

@@eluyou7103 No doubt bro. Keep strong ❤🖤💚✊🏾

[@berhetensea451]

One of the best leaders in Africa who tried to support and empower their people.

[@randynsimba426]

Facts

[@hellonomasonto]

Always trying to imagine what his country and the whole of Africa would be like today had he not been killed. We will never know.

[@lekis5975]

@@hellonomasonto We can know if we put in the work. His job was to awaken us from slumber, the rest was/is up to us. The question we should be asking ourselves everyday is "am I the change that I would like to see? Am I putting in the work to achieve the goals that Biko/Sankara/Malcolm X died for?"

[@lekis5975]

@Berhe Tensea One man cannot get the job done, we are all called to play a role. Through knowledge of his work, we grow in awareness, the question then becomes what are we doing to continue his work of supporting and empowering ourselves, families and communities?

[@tuforu4]

@@lekis5975 no one LEARNT FROM THOMAS SANKARA example

[@semiragualraya1041]

The great son of Africa. He will always be remembered for being a fierce leader and an advocate for his people.

[@amakaamaka3959]

He is not dead but alive because his legacy lives on forever

[@morenomoreno7230]

Mrs. Sankara, my condolences on the loss of your husband and know his death was not in vain. His blood has nurtured countless Pan African Freedom Fighters committed to bringing his dreams ,hopes and aspirations to fruition. We will always love Thomas Sankara....

[@habanewaikaa2448]

I'm from Somalia 🇸🇴 Sankara you will always live in the hearts of Afrikan people true leader never die the sadness is still in our heart may Allah have mercy upon you Ameen!

[@hobergurey3093]

Thomas Sankara was loved and still love by all africans.

[@africanbusinesssyndicate8611]

This brings to mind the old adage, "behind every great man, there is a great woman." Mrs. Sankara's composure, fluidity of thought and clarity of speech especially given the aggravating and purposely obscure details of her husband's violent death, is indicative of her strength of character. The captain was blessed to have her as his partner in life, and now unmatched steward of his legacy in death. I'm certain she played a pivotal role in helping him attain his accomplishments. 💖

[@Zero-hl2zy]

Beautiful woman lost her husband for nothing May his soul rest in perfect peace ❤🇬🇭

[@morenomoreno7230]

His death was not in vain beloved, his spirit will rise again..

[@kebbajammeh1645]

Strong woman. Justice shall prevail.

[@ignitionrod]

She did not lose her husband for nothing. His legacy lives on and justice must be exacted.

[@kirakurawachege1250]

Long Live his Spirit and may the day come when Africa will yet again be filled with Upright men!

[@maliksy7746]

Absolutely, it's happening

[@hellonomasonto]

Amen!!!

[@chikanjoku9884]

His own friend killed him. "The greatest enemy will hide in the last place you would ever look." Julius Caesar.

[@cherylpenny7471]

Chika, it was the spirit of pride in the friend along with oppressors of black people all over the world, they still killing our leaders who are risking their lives 24/7 to free their people, colonization is alive and well, I often ask myself what do our leaders want us to know, what are our marching orders to keep this train of decolonization moving, we must look deeply and see where we can make a difference in the betterment of humanity and our most vulnerable, Another of God's general's called home to receive their reward for the good deeds done on the earth, the wicked will be rewarded too, none of us will escape what was done on God's earth, none of us are beyond reproach, I will leave it with this No greater love has no leader than this, that a leader lay down his life to fight greed, colonization of his people, I want President Thomas Sankara's family and country family to know, we are with you and thank you for allowing your beloved to fight for the injustices of Mother Africa, his living was not in vain and we appreciate and love you all, now who is ready to fight in every arena to tear down the enemy's kingdom, it can be done because our leaders lead knowing that they are sacrificing their lives 24/7, what are we willing to sacrifice for the next generation who will confront the enemies who for greed, kill steal, destroy and lie about it, To the Sankara's justice will prevail, and new leaders will go forth with the wisdom and spirit of our falling leaders, we are closer to freedom as a people, there is a just God, only what we do for God will last, shalom

[@tosinowoseni6767]

Go and ask France

[@chikanjoku9884]

@@tosinowoseni6767As big, educated, civilized and exposed as we are. Why should we allow France or any other country in the West to dictate our internal affairs? We are the cause of our setbacks. Our leaders are responsible for our misfortune.

[@ebrimasillah2553]

@@chikanjoku9884 I support your truthful comments. We should not blamed the West. The fucking Africa Political Leaders are the root cause of poverty and suffering on Africa Citizens

[@nakibuukasusana3028]

@@ebrimasillah2553 Exactly , if u are able to get news from Uganda 😭😭😭. The ruling family and friends have rooted the economy , leaving the common people poor and useless. We have a social fund but the money is no where to be seen. All resources belong to them. The Chinese and foreigners are now becoming citizens owning land. Uganda's back bone had always been coffee and cotton. As I write now, the common man has no where to earn a living. The youth are freeing the country because of lack of employment. Agriculture used to employ many , the educated and uneducated, the youth and the elderly. They regime has emersed a lot of wealth that they no longer invest in the country but overseas. The president is just reinstating himself in power and can't let go of the presidential seat. Hospitals are in a sorry state but we still blame the white man. Is this love? CRY MY BELOVED COUNTRY 😭😭😭

[@freddyjackson5833]

My favourite African president of all time.

[@morenomoreno7230]

Along with Kwame Nrumah !

[@stavros333]

The World in Chaos Even You, but "Be Still " by Gooden and Cohen I've come a long way still have a longer way to go it's been a Lonely Road but I know I'm not alone sometimes the going has gotten tough and I was down could not get up but when my Sin I had enough Jesus took me by the hand Be still and know that I am God With me there's nothing that's too hard I'll get you through I've left it all behind To find the one above I had to die inside To Forgive and learn to love I've found that letting go Turns faith into a rope and so now I'm holding on to the only one who gives me hope. Be still and know that I am God With me there's nothing that's too hard I'll get you through it kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGjJnGqXiJiCa9U

[@desoticambinza8676]

Don't ever forget Dr John Magufuli, late Tanzanian President. ❤🖤💚✊🏾

[@tuforu4]

AFRICA LEADERS are the WORST

[@oscaralexander2416]

*Vicious Dictator I think you mean instead of president

[@solomonkihia8703]

Your husband is a legend all over Africa Be proud Mama In Kenya we even have a hotel called The Sankara Hotel

[@schoolwork232]

Wow. Hata sikujua hiyo ilikuwa nam efter him! Kweli, aligusa watu wote!

[@justinamusyoka4986]

Thats very good,had no idea.Kenya loves African patriots.

[@kinglartey2695]

The Upright man, Great son of Africa. Africa don’t make leaders like President Sankara. I named my son Sankara.

[@Yayo615]

My son call Sankara as well

[@maggielazarre78]

Why must they kill all the good ones?

[@sirfijoe450]

@@maggielazarre78 the west always does that.

[@chijohn28]

First and foremost Happy Independence day ZAMBIA🇿🇲. Thomas Sankara served his country and africa ,true son of Africa. Rest well Sir.

[@xiwang2129]

This woman is dope. She is so calm and articulate. Wow!!!

[@lekis5975]

@Xi Wang He chose well.

[@schoolwork232]

@@lekis5975 He most definitely did!

[@MichelleBrown-vi5zo]

She sounds like our Caribbean mom😊

[@abelnoowe5918]

We grew up hearing this son of the land and his sense of humor and africanism.. Much love from uganda.

[@saradonna1000]

Madam lam sorry for your loss. lam from Ghana and always cry when l remember him. No one can replace him!

[@simontamba1285]

Even me😴😴

[@mansarayify]

You can kill a man but not his idea

[@Tech2goit]

Sir look at the current world, they did kill the idea. Don’t fool your self. Nothing moves without there consent. Are we blind.

[@mohammedbilalanas2613]

True

[@samiahussein3458]

one and only tomas Sankar African Miss you African will never forget you God be with the family of tomas Sankar🙏🇪🇹

[@kamaraayoub8221]

Before I could end this interview of mama Mariam Sankara I shield tears RIP Thomas and justice must prevail to all

[@sundayigbinovia6359]

Our hero , rest on Thomas Sankara, you will never be forgotten. Your legacy remains .

[@lewispereira1700]

Thomas Sankara was a great son of Africa. Like other great ones who were like him- Patrice Lumumba, Ahmed Benbella and Malcolm X - they all refused to SELL OUT at the expense of their people. Those murderous villains who planned their deaths were puppets of superpowers and are long forgotten. But, the name of Thomas Sankara and his messages still ring in our ears. Ā lutæ contīnuà..!

[@arlabarmike5858]

A brilliant soldier, great son of Africa REST ON.

[@ubirov2928]

I love her courage. Her spirit still stands strong 💪. You can be forever proud of your husband; he stood up for the oppressed. A leader worth emulating.

[@lawnself6110]

France should be ashamed of themselves for killing this man and Cote'd Ivoire should be ashamed for shielding his assassin from trial

[@maamemyk9756]

His legacy lives on and he still inspires the young generation!!!!!

[@Alem_Mehari]

You’re a hero to so many. love from your Ethiopian 🇪🇹 brother

[@deluxekitchen9259]

A great leader... The best president Burkina Faso ever had So underrated.

[@mariusw8019]

You forgot to say the best in Africa. What a guy he was.

[@mesrakmeskel4920]

A great man assassinated because He was working day and night to take out his people from poverty. He demonstrated in 3 years what Africa can do for themselves. The colonialistes were afraid of his accomplishments and would be example for other African countries.

[@schoolwork232]

Very true!

[@pstdavidc.obichukwu2760]

And his best friend assassinated him. Painful.

[@prayforus572]

Nobody can stop Reggae., long Live the Spirit of T. Sankara

[@straightarrow2219]

As a Nigerian, Sankara was and is still worth more than any Nigerian president dead or living. He was and still a great man even in his death. Hope that the old for nothing African politicians will aspire to leave good legacies behind just like he did.

[@catherineherman7574]

Great man. Rest in Power King. You will never be forgotten

[@mwashindagadwa3264]

Greate son of Afrika. I wonder how someone ca dislike this!

[@sunodu8555]

BASTARDS AND ENEMIES OF PROGRESS WILL DISLIKE IT.

[@simontamba1285]

They are crazy you can't do this to the gift from God Thom was the gift

[@stanleyokafor4186]

Blaise, oh Blaise, you were a great chameleon, and you chose your best friend to trade with. Shall you live out a life of fulfilment, no not at all, not when the sun and the stars are there. You killed Sankara out of envy and greed, yet even in death he towers over your life. Rest on our great African soldier and advocate. Rest on Thomas Isidore Sankara!

[@ecowanderer6099]

Long live the Spirit of Sankara

[@aunties5798]

I recall vividly about Thomas Sankara. Really very tragic this young iconic President was taken away in a senseless tragedy.

[@englishworld1743]

I hope many Thomas Sankara will be born in Africa # he is an African Symbol 🇪🇹🇪🇹

[@nurturenature9093]

This was killed for been a patriot to his people and his country, his name will live on for centuries

[@abduljalilmahama5682]

Rest well Thomas Sankara..

[@paulochikwekwe7862]

When u see peace mother Africa

[@kwamesarpong1925]

Good to hear from the widow. I hope there were kids involved. And I hope the kids are grown enough to follow when this trial begins. Sankari name is "synonmous" to Patrice Lumumba of Congo who was also massacred in a similar way. Yes, Sankara stayed on longer to show his people what they can do for themselves, rather than depend on outsiders. Such leaders do not stay long because the enemies are always on the look-out. I hope the trial will put a closure to some dark secrets sorrounding his massacre.

[@jeanmarc6276]

Brave Woman. So proud of you and of your famous late Husband !

[@aaronmallomey577]

One of the GREATEST LEADERS EVER 🙏🏿 🇧🇫

[@marcustraore545]

Yes oh

[@BlackGeoYoutube]

God bless you and your family.

[@imadaughterofzion5115]

Why are we not seeing national coverage of the trial?!! Sankara supporters want to informed of all details that are unfolding.

[@muonambali]

Because they want to showcase propaganda nonsense which aim at promoting their continuous exploitation of the African Continent and beyond.

[@gibson2675]

Is any of the African media show casing this trial

[@imadaughterofzion5115]

@@muonambali right

[@imadaughterofzion5115]

@@gibson2675 non that I’ve seen so far…I’ve been on “Sahara TV” and others but I haven’t seen any actual coverage yet. Just snippets of Blaise and others in court

[@deejean344]

Becoz probably those involved still hold positions as usual

[@simontamba1285]

Be blessed Mom your Husband was a gift from God

[@ekeolereayeniromo6891]

Thomas Sankara was a great man. The best leader in the entire continent of Africa. His name will live forever.

[@themoe.1]

A Total Hero.

[@coachutikko]

Mama be strong. God bless you. Justice for Sankara.

[@bluedoggg1]

A Stand Up Man. Much Respect.

[@bubasaidy1954]

The king of Africa 🙏🏾🙌🏾

[@alicjatomiak8800]

What a beautiful lovely lady still calm considering what they did to her husband

[@Njoofene]

One of Africa's giants.

[@actorade]

A pure gem, memories live on

[@vickyvals9729]

Our Wow! I did not know that the wife is still alive. She is so beautiful. Thomas Sankara is a Legend and Hero . Burkina Faso lost a great soul. Africa list a great son . We forever hold his memory dear on our hearts . Rest in peace , son of Africa.

[@saidbarawa9096]

R.I.P MY HERO

[@user-fq6jl6xl4f]

Long live the spirit of Sankara long live

[@SANWOMItv]

Support from Nigeria.

[@mabintykargbo2353]

They won't let us exhale! RIPP!

[@wefarm7219]

Sorrow in my heart ❤

[@drsamuelteye9006]

We do remember him though we never saw him on TV as those days have very few TVs. He was our then prez's friend and so it was a common name then,Thomas Sankara. May his soul rest in peace.

[@justchiling1]

Beautiful soul! god bless you! RIP!

[@BuildVisions4Africa1]

The problem is that the great African leaders do not led at the same time. He deserves justice in the form of accountability.

[@frank-gp2et]

Legend

[@chakachaka4808]

Long Live the great Sankara. ✊🏾🇿🇦

[@HaasanmAdji86]

He will always live in our hearts

[@brightbright6768]

He was too nice to his inner circle and trusted them more than he should. RIP fighter!

[@djamaltanko5121]

He was a hero ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ousmanfereja6194]

I am from Ethiopian, but love Sankara, he was best all times

[@MichelleBrown-vi5zo]

Handsome man he was and great leader🎉

[@afrakanaswahilitv5520]

I love Thomas Sankara. A true African son that defended the interests of black and Afrikan people.

[@abdiazizahmedosman1147]

Thomas Sankara was lion of Africa he ws planing to give good life and progress in his country but his friend be tried him

[@rahmaabdulmalik5121]

Charismatic Sankara , wish u r still here sir 🙏 💖💖💖🙏

[@lisaaugusta5521]

He was a friend to Ghana JJ Rawlings. Ghanaians loved him.

[@bettystarks4268]

He still lives in the hearts of all those that loves him and still do, love and blessings to you and your family ❤❤❤❤from The USA

[@drewbranch7700]

I didn’t know much about this brother whilst growing up. I wish I knew of him more,the more I learn about him,I find myself drawn to his character. It appears to me his pseudo friend was bewitched his enemies ie. I dare say some folks from abroad who love to meddle with other nations in a ploy to extract their resources. Such a tragic story that I wish I could of romanticized. May peace to my brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso prevail.🕊❤️

[@desoticambinza8676]

WHAT A HONOURABLE MAN HE WAS. HIS SPIRIT HAS NEVER LEFT US. REST IN POWER MR PRESIDENT. ❤🖤💚✊🏾✊🏾

[@queencrown1674]

My hero 💪

[@LeGuineen1]

One the best leaders not only in Africa but in the world. Rest In Peace our hero

[@freemanbako452]

The labor of our Heroes in Africa shall never be in vain...

[@stephenbwalya4554]

Descansa en paz Thomas Sankara... An upright man!!!!

[@leninpeters7498]

Punitive Justice may claim to serve as an example, but the best justice which can be given to Sankara and his memory is to keep him alive in the heart. To each citizen of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara should live in your hearts through the way you live your lives. Be an embodiment of integrity, truth, honesty, and also be the proudest African. Love and protect yourselves against the enemy, and oust from your society any betrayers. The enemy will mostly come disguised as your brother, or as your brother. Let Sankara live on, so you make Burkina Faso a great nation.

[@peter_de_Jong817]

He is a great man who will be recognised for his efforts and intelligence!

[@goldendiamondshine1866]

Beautiful woman your husband is alive ok. He’s still in our memories forever because hero never die.

[@saidbarawa9096]

Such leaders are very few in this world

[@Isiejeme0829]

Legendary!

[@maliksy7746]

Absolutely

[@jaredkinara6773]

Long live the spirit and dreams of Thomas Sankara and let's embrace them.Happy to see you Mama very strong . Wishing you well and the family

[@amakaamaka3959]

Thomas Sankara still the top five best leaders Africa has ever had...may his soul rest in peace while he still lives among us...i love him and his ideology of leadership. Amen

[@sheikhjabateh83]

Africa will forever miss you!

[@aspireautomobile6315]

Long Live commander sankara ✊

[@jahmehkanhorn1063]

I cry for this great african and weep over h8s senseless desth aided and abetted by France.

[@belzylucas7275]

He's was very hondsome ❤❤

[@marjoriemanduli2935]

May his soul rest in peace. True son of Africa. Mama you have spoken eloquently!

[@cyelgreen4655]

Respect Thomas Sankara!

[@jerrynelson5289]

Long live Thomas Sankara and Patrice Lumumba. He was the real one not the phonies.

[@kawiche4911]

Steve BANTU BIKO Long live

[@Mogul_inthemaking]

The real Queen.

[@maliksy7746]

Absolutely

[@tmobiletemp9832]

God bless you Lady Sankara

[@monalisawm]

Justice for Thomas Sankara great Pan Afrikanist long live his legacy✊🏾🌍🖤

[@RDDII]

Toute mes condoléances Madame Sankara. Votre mari était une légende je suis senegalais et fier de lui. Long live Thomas