SANKARA, THOMAS (BURKINA FASO)

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06931681
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: July 13, 2023
• Document Release Date: February 17, 2022
• Case Number: F-2020-00067
• Publication Date: September 11, 1985

Approved for Release: 2022/02/15 C06931681
ThomaNKARA
(Phonetic. hincAl-riartr
President, National Revolutionary
Council (since August 1983)
Addressed as: Mr. President
Capt. Thomas Sankara installed himself as
Head of State after leading a coup. He changed his
country's name from Upper Volta to the more
indigenous Burkina Faso in July 1984.
Sankara is of mixed Peuhl and Mossi ethnic
origin. He received military training at the cadet
academy in Antsirabi, Madagascar, during 1970-
72. He earned a reputation as a war hero in a 1974
border conflict with Mali. Subsequently, he
I
e
received officers' paratroop training in France.
During the late 1970s he served as commander of the Paracommando School at Po. In
January 1981 he completed a six-month infantry officer advanced course in France.
Sankara was deputy director of operations and training (G-3) on the General Staff of the
Burldnan Army during 1981. He then served as Secretary of State for Information for
several months. He was named Prime Minister in January 1983 but held that position for
only three months.
Sankara, 35, almost always appears publicly wearing camouflage fatigues and a pearl-
handled pistol. The President neither smokes nor drinks. He enjoys playing the guitar and
likes to dance. In addition to his indigenous tongue, Sankara speaks fluent French and some
English. He is a Roman Catholic. He is married; his wife has studied economics. The couple
has two young children.
Approved for Release: 2022/02/15 C06931681