Burkina Faso Brief History

Burkina Faso Country Facts:

Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, is a landlocked country in West Africa. Its capital is Ouagadougou. Known for its diverse ethnic groups, vibrant culture, and traditional arts, Burkina Faso is home to the Mossi, Fulani, and Dioula peoples, among others. The country’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, with cotton being a major cash crop. Burkina Faso faces challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and political instability, yet it has a rich cultural heritage expressed through music, dance, and festivals like the FESPACO film festival.

Early History and Pre-Colonial Period (Prehistory – 1895 CE)

Ancient Civilizations and Empires (Prehistory – 13th Century CE)

Burkina Faso has a rich archaeological heritage, with evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years. The region was inhabited by ancient civilizations such as the Djenne and Bura cultures, known for their advanced metallurgy, pottery, and trade networks. The rise of the Ghana Empire in the 8th century brought prosperity and cultural exchange to the area, as it controlled key trade routes across West Africa. The Mali Empire succeeded Ghana, further enriching the region’s history with its legendary rulers like Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa, who fostered Islam and scholarship.

Mossi Kingdoms and Regional States (14th Century CE – 19th Century CE)

The Mossi people migrated into present-day Burkina Faso around the 11th century and established a series of powerful kingdoms. The Mossi Kingdoms, including Ouagadougou, Yatenga, and Tenkodogo, thrived through trade, agriculture, and military prowess. They developed sophisticated political institutions, military tactics, and cultural traditions that endured for centuries. Other ethnic groups, such as the Gurma and Lobi, also established their own kingdoms and chiefdoms, contributing to the region’s diversity and resilience. Despite occasional conflicts and rivalries, these states coexisted and interacted through trade, diplomacy, and intermarriage.

Colonialism and French Rule (Late 19th Century CE – 1960 CE)

Scramble for Africa and Colonization (Late 19th Century CE – 20th Century CE)

In the late 19th century, European powers, including France, Britain, and Germany, scrambled to colonize Africa, motivated by economic interests, strategic competition, and notions of racial superiority. Burkina Faso, then known as Upper Volta, became part of French West Africa following the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, which partitioned the continent among European powers. French colonial rule in Upper Volta was characterized by exploitation of natural resources, forced labor, and suppression of local cultures and traditions. Colonial administrators imposed taxes, established plantations, and built infrastructure to serve French interests, neglecting the welfare of the indigenous population.

Resistance and Rebellion (Late 19th Century CE – Mid-20th Century CE)

Burkina Faso’s inhabitants resisted French colonization through various means, including armed uprisings, religious movements, and acts of sabotage. The resistance was led by local chiefs, religious leaders, and charismatic figures who rallied their communities against colonial oppression. The Bobo-Dioulasso uprising of 1915 and the Dagara resistance in the southwest were notable examples of indigenous resistance to French rule. Despite the suppression of revolts, resistance movements continued to simmer, fueling nationalist sentiments and aspirations for self-rule. Burkina Faso’s involvement in World War I and World War II also contributed to anti-colonial sentiment and demands for independence.

Emergence of Nationalism and Independence (Mid-20th Century CE)

The mid-20th century saw the emergence of nationalist movements in Burkina Faso, as educated elites, intellectuals, and labor activists mobilized for independence from French colonial rule. Political parties such as the Voltaic Democratic Union (UDV) and the African Democratic Rally (RDA) emerged as leading voices for independence, advocating for political representation, social justice, and economic development. The RDA, founded by Felix Houphouet-Boigny and Ouezzin Coulibaly, played a prominent role in mobilizing support for independence across French West Africa. In 1960, Upper Volta gained independence from France, marking the birth of the modern nation of Burkina Faso.

Post-Independence Challenges and Political Evolution (1960 CE – Present)

Early Years of Independence and Political Instability (1960 CE – 1983 CE)

Burkina Faso faced numerous challenges in the early years of independence, including political instability, economic underdevelopment, and social unrest. The country experienced multiple coups and changes in government, reflecting power struggles among military leaders and political factions. Presidents such as Maurice Yameogo, Sangoule Lamizana, and Thomas Sankara attempted to address these challenges through various policies and reforms, including land redistribution, agrarian reform, and cultural revitalization. However, corruption, ethnic tensions, and external pressures hampered the country’s progress and stability during this period.

Thomas Sankara’s Revolutionary Government (1983 CE – 1987 CE)

In 1983, Captain Thomas Sankara seized power in a popularly supported coup and established a revolutionary government committed to social justice, anti-imperialism, and Pan-Africanism. Sankara implemented radical reforms aimed at transforming Burkina Faso’s society and economy, including nationalization of land and resources, promotion of gender equality, and investment in education and healthcare. His government launched ambitious public works projects, such as building schools and health centers, and promoted self-reliance and solidarity among citizens. Sankara’s charismatic leadership and revolutionary zeal garnered international attention but also drew criticism and opposition from vested interests.

Assassination of Thomas Sankara and Subsequent Regimes (1987 CE – Present)

In 1987, Thomas Sankara was assassinated in a coup led by his close associate, Blaise Compaore, who assumed power and reversed many of Sankara’s policies. Compaore’s regime pursued a more pragmatic and authoritarian approach, aligning with Western powers and implementing neoliberal economic reforms. While Compaore’s government brought stability and economic growth to Burkina Faso, it was criticized for corruption, human rights abuses, and suppression of political opposition. In 2014, mass protests erupted against Compaore’s attempt to extend his rule, leading to his ouster and the establishment of a transitional government. Since then, Burkina Faso has experienced political turbulence, security challenges, and socio-economic disparities, as it navigates the complexities of democracy and development in the 21st century.