The history of Burkina Faso: From colonisation to independence

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, has a rich and complex history shaped by many cultural influences, colonial subjugation, and a determined struggle for independence. The history of Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of its people, who have weathered centuries of external control and internal challenges to forge a path toward self-determination and nationhood.

Pre-Colonial Period

Before the advent of European colonisation, the region that is now Burkina Faso was home to various ethnic groups and kingdoms, each with its distinct culture and governance structures. The most prominent among these were the Mossi Kingdoms, which emerged around the 11th century. The Mossi, known for their military prowess, established a series of powerful kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Ouagadougou, which would later become the capital of Burkina Faso.

The Mossi Kingdoms were characterised by a highly centralised administration, with the king, or Mogho Naba, wielding significant power. These kingdoms engaged in trade, agriculture, and warfare, expanding their territories and influencing neighbouring regions. The Mossi, along with other ethnic groups like the Gurunsi, Lobi, and Senufo, maintained their autonomy and cultural identity for centuries, even as the region experienced waves of migration and external threats.

The Scramble for Africa and French colonisation

The late 19th century marked the beginning of a new era for the African continent as European powers embarked on a frenzied colonisation effort known as the Scramble for Africa. The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885 formalised this process, allowing European nations to carve up Africa into spheres of influence with little regard for existing cultural and political boundaries.

In this context, France, seeking to expand its colonial empire in West Africa, turned its attention to the region that is now Burkina Faso. The French military undertook several expeditions into the area, encountering stiff resistance from the indigenous populations, particularly the Mossi. However, by the end of the 19th century, the French had successfully subdued the Mossi Kingdoms and other groups, establishing control over the region.

In 1896, the French officially declared the region a protectorate, integrating it into the larger French West Africa (Afrique-Occidentale Française) federation. The territory was initially administered as part of the colony of Upper Senegal and Niger. The imposition of French colonial rule brought significant changes to the region, including the introduction of a cash economy, forced labour, and the exploitation of natural resources. The French also implemented a system of indirect rule, co-opting local chiefs and traditional authorities to govern on their behalf.

The formation of Upper Volta

The early 20th century saw further administrative restructuring within French West Africa. In 1919, the French authorities created a separate colony named Upper Volta (Haute-Volta), comprising territories from present-day Burkina Faso, parts of Mali, and Côte d’Ivoire. This decision was primarily driven by the need to improve administrative efficiency and facilitate the exploitation of the region’s agricultural potential, particularly in cotton production.

Upper Volta remained under French colonial rule for the next few decades, with its economy largely oriented towards serving the needs of the French metropole. The colonial administration invested minimally in education, infrastructure, and healthcare, leading to widespread poverty and underdevelopment. The Indigenous population was subjected to harsh labour conditions, taxation, and limited political rights, fueling discontent and resistance.

The road to independence

The period following World War II marked a significant shift in Africa’s political landscape as the winds of change began to sweep across the continent. The war had weakened European colonial powers, and the rise of nationalist movements demanded an end to colonial rule. In Upper Volta, as in other parts of French West Africa, the push for independence gained momentum, driven by educated elites, labour unions, and traditional leaders who sought greater autonomy and self-governance.

In 1947, the French government introduced political reforms allowing limited self-governance in its colonies. Upper Volta was granted its legislative assembly, and local leaders began to participate in the administration of the territory. However, these reforms did not quell the growing demand for full independence.

The independence movement in Upper Volta was further bolstered by the actions of key political figures, such as Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly and Maurice Yaméogo. Coulibaly, a prominent nationalist leader, played a crucial role in advocating for greater political representation and economic development in Upper Volta. After his death in 1958, Maurice Yaméogo emerged as the leader of the Voltaic Democratic Union (UDV-RDA), a political party that championed the cause of independence.

In 1958, as the decolonisation process accelerated across French West Africa, Upper Volta became an autonomous republic within the French Community. This political association allowed former colonies to maintain close ties with France. However, this arrangement was short-lived, as the momentum for complete independence continued to grow.

Independence and the birth of Burkina Faso

On 5 August 1960, Upper Volta officially declared independence from France, becoming a sovereign nation. Maurice Yaméogo, who had led the independence movement, became the country’s first president. The early years of independence were marked by efforts to build a cohesive national identity and address the deep-seated economic and social challenges inherited from the colonial period.

Yaméogo’s administration initially pursued policies to centralise power and promote national unity. However, his authoritarian style of governance, coupled with widespread corruption and economic mismanagement, led to growing dissatisfaction among the population. In 1966, following a series of strikes and protests, Yaméogo was ousted in a military coup led by Colonel Sangoulé Lamizana.

Lamizana’s rule lasted until 1980 and was characterised by a mix of military and civilian governance. His government attempted to address the country’s economic problems through austerity measures and efforts to diversify the economy. However, political instability and social unrest persisted, leading to a series of coups and changes in leadership over the following decades.

The revolution and the legacy of Thomas Sankara

One of the most significant periods in Burkina Faso’s history came in 1983, when Captain Thomas Sankara, a charismatic and radical young officer, seized power in a popular coup. Sankara, often called the “Che Guevara of Africa,” embarked on an ambitious program of social and economic reforms to transform Burkina Faso into a self-reliant and socially just nation.

Under Sankara’s leadership, the country underwent a profound transformation. He changed the country’s name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, meaning “Land of Upright People,” reflecting his vision of a nation characterised by integrity and dignity. Sankara implemented policies focused on reducing dependency on foreign aid, promoting gender equality, improving healthcare and education, and combating corruption.

Sankara’s government also prioritised environmental conservation, launching a massive reforestation campaign to combat desertification. His emphasis on self-reliance and his critique of the global economic order resonated with many in Africa and beyond, making him an iconic figure in the fight against neo-colonialism.

However, Sankara’s radical policies and his challenge to the entrenched interests of the political and military elite led to growing opposition. In 1987, he was assassinated in a coup orchestrated by his close associate, Blaise Compaoré, who subsequently took power and ruled Burkina Faso for the next 27 years.

Legacy

The history of Burkina Faso, from colonisation to independence, is a story of resilience, struggle, and transformation. From the imposition of French colonial rule to the eventual achievement of independence and the revolutionary period under Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso’s journey has been marked by significant challenges and achievements. Today, the legacy of this history continues to shape the nation’s identity and aspirations for the future.