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.