1987 Burkinabé coup d'état facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 1987 Burkinabé coup d'état
Date 15 October 1987 Location Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 12°21′26″N 1°32′7″W / 12.35722°N 1.53528°W / 12.35722; -1.53528 Result Coup attempt succeeds. Thomas Sankara is overthrown and murdered. Blaise Compaoré is installed as the new President.
Belligerents
Government CDRs	Military faction NPFL Supported by: Libya France United States Israel Côte d'Ivoire Togo Mali
Commanders and leaders
Thomas Sankara	Blaise Compaoré Jean-Baptiste Boukary Lingani Henri Zongo Charles Taylor
Casualties and losses
Numerous casualties.

The 1987 Burkinabé coup d'état was a sudden takeover of the government in Burkina Faso. It happened on October 15, 1987. This event was led by Captain Blaise Compaoré against the country's president, Thomas Sankara. Sankara and Compaoré had been close friends and allies before this.

What Was the 1987 Burkinabé Coup?

A coup d'état is when a group, often the military, suddenly and illegally takes control of a country's government. The 1987 Burkinabé coup changed who was in charge of Burkina Faso. It happened in the capital city, Ouagadougou.

Who Was Thomas Sankara?

Thomas Sankara became president of Burkina Faso in 1983. He was a young army captain who wanted to make big changes. He renamed the country from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means "Land of Upright People."

Sankara worked to make life better for everyone. He focused on things like healthcare, education, and helping women. He also tried to stop corruption and make the country more independent. Many people around the world admired his ideas.

He believed in self-reliance for his country. This meant Burkina Faso should use its own resources and not depend too much on other nations. He encouraged people to grow their own food and build their own schools.

The Day of the Coup

On October 15, 1987, soldiers loyal to Blaise Compaoré took action. They moved into the capital city, Ouagadougou. President Sankara and some of his supporters were killed during this takeover.

The coup was quick and unexpected by many. It ended Sankara's four years as president. The country was then under new leadership.

What Happened Next?

After the coup, Blaise Compaoré became the new president of Burkina Faso. He ruled the country for many years. The changes that Sankara had started were largely stopped or changed.

The coup had a big impact on Burkina Faso's history. It changed the direction the country was heading in. Many people still remember Thomas Sankara and his vision for a better Burkina Faso.