How a West African nation redefined its identity by changing its colonial name

History · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Formerly known as Upper Volta, Burkina Faso transformed its national identity in 1984 under the leadership of Thomas Sankara. Meaning Land of Incorruptible People, the new name signaled a radical break from colonial history, reflecting a bold era of social reform, anti-corruption efforts, and ambitious development projects across the Sahel.

The region now known as Burkina Faso has a deep history, with Neolithic tools found in the north and iron production dating back to at least the 8th century BCE. By the 15th century, the Mossi kingdoms, most notably Ouagadougou, emerged as powerful political entities. These states successfully resisted invasions from the Songhai and Fulani empires while maintaining robust trade networks with powers like the Asante and Hausa.

French colonial influence began in the late 19th century, with the territory officially becoming Upper Volta in 1919. After gaining independence in 1960, the nation experienced significant political volatility. The first president, Maurice Yaméogo, was ousted in a 1966 military coup led by Sangoulé Lamizana, marking the beginning of a recurring pattern of military intervention during times of economic and social crisis.

The most transformative period arrived in 1983 when Captain Thomas Sankara seized power. Renaming the country Burkina Faso in 1984, his government launched aggressive initiatives, including mass vaccination campaigns, tree planting to combat desertification, and the promotion of women's rights. Sankara also famously demanded public scrutiny of official bank accounts to curb corruption. However, his regime faced internal friction and external border disputes, such as the 1985 conflict with Mali over the Agacher Strip.

Sankara’s rule ended abruptly in 1987 during a coup led by Blaise Compaoré, who subsequently held power for decades. Compaoré’s tenure was marked by both economic development and persistent controversy, including the 1998 death of journalist Norbert Zongo. Today, the nation’s history remains a complex tapestry of ancient kingdom legacies, colonial administrative shifts, and a modern, often turbulent, struggle for governance and national integrity.

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