What Is 1987 Burkina Faso coup d'état

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1987 Burkina Faso coup d'état occurred on October 15, 1987, when President Thomas Sankara was overthrown and killed by forces led by his close ally Blaise Compaoré, who then became president. The coup ended Sankara's revolutionary socialist government after just four years in power.

Key Facts

The coup took place on October 15, 1987
President Thomas Sankara was killed during the coup
Blaise Compaoré assumed power immediately afterward
Sankara had been in power since 1983, a 4-year rule
Compaoré remained president for 27 years until 2014

Overview

The 1987 Burkina Faso coup d'état marked a pivotal moment in West African political history, ending the radical reforms of President Thomas Sankara. Sankara, known for his anti-imperialist stance and progressive policies, was overthrown and assassinated in a violent military operation orchestrated by his former ally, Blaise Compaoré.

Following independence from France in 1960, the country—then called Upper Volta—experienced multiple coups before Sankara seized power in 1983. His revolutionary agenda included land redistribution, women's rights, and environmental protection, but his confrontational foreign policy and austerity measures alienated powerful domestic and international interests.

On October 15, 1987, a group of soldiers stormed the presidential palace in Ouagadougou, killing Sankara and 12 of his aides during a meeting.
Blaise Compaoré, Sankara’s minister of foreign affairs and close comrade, publicly claimed responsibility and declared himself president the same day.
The coup was swift and coordinated, involving elite military units loyal to Compaoré, bypassing resistance from Sankara loyalists.
Sankara’s body was buried in an unmarked grave, and the government initially claimed he had died in an internal power struggle.
International reactions were muted; France, a former colonial power, maintained diplomatic ties with the new regime despite human rights concerns.

Key Players and Roles

Understanding the 1987 coup requires examining the individuals who shaped its outcome and the political dynamics at play. The shift from Sankara’s idealism to Compaoré’s pragmatism reflected broader ideological and strategic rifts within the military and government.

Thomas Sankara: President from 1983 to 1987, he championed self-reliance, renamed the country Burkina Faso, and promoted pan-Africanism and anti-colonialism.
Blaise Compaoré: Sankara’s deputy until 1987, he orchestrated the coup and ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years, reversing many of Sankara’s policies.
French intelligence (DGSE): Allegedly provided logistical or intelligence support, though no official proof has been confirmed.
Upper Oubritenga gendarmerie: A key military unit stationed near Ouagadougou that supported Compaoré during the coup.
Revolutionary councils: Local governance bodies established by Sankara that were disbanded after the coup, weakening grassroots political participation.
Opposition factions: Conservative military officers and traditional elites who opposed Sankara’s land reforms and secular policies played a role in enabling the coup.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparative analysis of Sankara’s and Compaoré’s leadership styles, policies, and legacies following the 1987 coup.

Category	Thomas Sankara (1983–1987)	Blaise Compaoré (1987–2014)
Leadership Style	Charismatic, revolutionary, highly ideological with mass mobilization	Authoritarian, centralized, focused on political stability
Economic Policy	State-led development, anti-debt stance, promoted local agriculture	Embraced IMF structural adjustment, privatized state enterprises
Foreign Relations	Anti-imperialist, distanced from France and Western powers	Pro-Western, maintained strong ties with France and the U.S.
Human Rights Record	Repressed dissent but prioritized social equity and anti-corruption	Widespread repression, censorship, and political assassinations
Duration in Power	4 years (1983–1987)	27 years (1987–2014)

The contrast between the two regimes underscores the ideological reversal after the 1987 coup. While Sankara’s rule was brief, it inspired a generation of African revolutionaries. Compaoré’s long tenure restored ties with former colonial powers and international financial institutions, but at the cost of democratic freedoms and social equity.

Why It Matters

The 1987 coup remains a defining event in African political history, symbolizing both the fragility of revolutionary movements and the enduring influence of neocolonial networks. Its legacy continues to shape discourse on governance, sovereignty, and social justice in West Africa.

The assassination of Sankara was officially investigated in 2015, leading to Compaoré being charged in absentia for murder in 2021.
Sankara’s image has become a global symbol of integrity, often compared to Che Guevara in revolutionary iconography.
The coup halted one of Africa’s most progressive development experiments, including nationwide vaccination campaigns and literacy programs.
Compaoré’s regime faced growing unrest, culminating in his ousting during the 2014 Burkinabé uprising.
Historical memory of the coup influences current politics, with Sankarist parties gaining traction in recent elections.
Regional stability in the Sahel has been affected by the long-term erosion of democratic institutions initiated in 1987.

The 1987 Burkina Faso coup d'état was not merely a change of leadership—it was a reversal of a revolutionary vision. Its consequences echo through decades of political struggle, making it a critical case study in post-colonial African governance.