The Burkinabé Minister of Culture, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, inaugurated a statue of Thomas Sankara in a park in Rome's 3rd arrondissement on October 24, 2026. The sculpture, made of steel, stands two meters tall and 70 centimeters wide, and was created by artist Hamed Sékou Ouattara. The statue was offered by Madi Sakandé and represents the friendship between the Burkinabé and Italian people.
The ceremony was attended by the ambassadors of Burkina Faso to Rome and the Vatican, as well as diplomatic representatives from Mali and Niger, and members of the Burkinabé diaspora and the African diaspora in Europe. The park, named after Thomas Sankara, was baptized on September 17, 2025, and aims to be a symbol of fraternity, justice, and dialogue between peoples.
The president of the municipality of Rome's 3rd arrondissement, Paolo Emilio Marchionne, praised the initiative, saying it would help perpetuate the ideals of the Burkinabé revolutionary leader. Minister Ouédraogo highlighted the universal significance of Thomas Sankara's legacy and used the ceremony to launch an international fundraising campaign called "A Brick for Sankara" to support the construction of a memorial in his honor.
The statue is seen as a symbol of the strong ties between Burkina Faso and Italy. The Burkinabé government has been working to promote the legacy of Thomas Sankara, who is remembered for his progressive policies and his efforts to modernize Burkina Faso. The unveiling of the statue is part of a broader effort to celebrate his life and legacy.
Thomas Sankara's legacy extends beyond Burkina Faso, with many seeing him as a pan-African icon. His presidency, which lasted from 1984 to 1987, was marked by significant reforms and development projects. The statue in Rome is a testament to his enduring impact and influence.
The "A Brick for Sankara" campaign aims to raise funds for a memorial to be built in honor of Thomas Sankara. The campaign was launched by the Burkinabé government and is supported by various organizations and individuals. The memorial is expected to become a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Burkina Faso's rich history.
The unveiling of the statue in Rome marks a significant milestone in the celebration of Thomas Sankara's life and legacy. It also highlights the strong ties between Burkina Faso and Italy, and demonstrates the enduring impact of Sankara's message of fraternity, justice, and dialogue.
Key points
- The statue of Thomas Sankara was unveiled in a park in Rome's 3rd arrondissement on October 24, 2026.
- The statue was created by artist Hamed Sékou Ouattara and offered by Madi Sakandé.
- The "A Brick for Sankara" campaign aims to raise funds for a memorial to be built in honor of Thomas Sankara.
