by Tiy Todd
Burkina Faso, the “Land of the Upright People,” is a nation embodying a revolutionary declaration. Former President Thomas Sankara and today’s President Ibrahim Traoré speak to the hearts of many by being unapologetic and understanding the truth about our bitter past living under colonizers and oppressors. In addition, these leaders have wisdom about the truth and the need to move forward. These two great men’s words are actions. The nation shouts, “La patrie ou la mort, nous vaincrons !”“Homeland or death, we shall overcome!”
How profound! Such words were sung while marching in the Civil Rights Movement! So, whether it’s Sankara speaking in French or Blacks singing in protest, the message is the same: We will overcome someday, and TODAY IS THAT DAY!
Rising unity across the continent and the African Diaspora
On Oct. 3, 1984, in Harlem at the Harriet Tubman School, Thomas Sankara was invited by the Patrice Lumumba Coalition to speak. Of course, Sankara did not disappoint; he delivered a revolutionary speech in French, with a translator standing beside him. Sankara made it clear how imperialism devastates Black communities, whether in Africa or the U.S. He pointed out the similarities between African neighborhoods and Black ghettos in America. The comparison shows we have more in common than not.
Today, President Ibrahim Traoré reminds us of the same truth Sankara spoke. Capt. Traoré hasn’t physically been to the U.S., but his presence is felt worldwide thanks to print news media, digital media, social media (YouTube, IG and TikTok), and global protests.
This was evident on April 30, when people took to the streets in Oakland, Dallas, New York, London, Ghana and Burkina Faso in support of Ibrahim Traoré’s initiatives. It was awesome to see Oakland’s Pan-African Organization participate in the “We Stand with Captain Traoré” protest at Frank Ogawa Plaza.
As Sankara in Harlem proclaimed: “We must wage the fight to free ourselves from domination by other men and from oppression.”
That was in 1984, It is now 2025, and here we are, still fighting! This time, we are choosing our own direction. As President Traoré says, we cannot build a future using the rulebook of those who once held us in bondage. It’s time to write our own.
This is what revolution looks like now
Watching Sankara’s vision unfold in the Sahel today gives me goosebumps. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) – Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali – is changing the terms of the geopolitical world. On May 22, 2025, the Alliance of Sahel States met with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Bamako, Mali, regarding political, security and economic issues without outside interference.
This is easier said than done. Not everyone in ECOWAS is ready to be “righteous.” Many African leaders are still choosing personal interest and foreign loyalty over loyalty to the people.
There is a positive trend going on in African nations reclaiming control over their countries’ minerals and natural resources, along with treating people with kindness and respect. The minerals and resources belong to the people of the land and should be used for their betterment, not for the profit of outsiders.
Guinea gave foreign companies until the end of the month to pack up and leave. The president, Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, revoked 180 mining permits, taking back control of the country’s resources and minerals.
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has introduced a Code of Conduct and Ethics for political appointees and said plainly, “If you serve the people, then act like it.” He, too, understands that you must have the support of your people. The youth have spoken; they want more from their government.
What we’re witnessing isn’t isolation; it’s the uprising of African Revolutionary Unity. It’s a conscious pivot away from dependency and toward solidarity. Sovereignty. Dignity. Autonomy.
The demand for truth
Truth and transparency are revolutionary acts. In a world full of propaganda and polished lies, real talk is rare. But across Africa and its diaspora, people are done waiting for someone else to fix it. We’re fixing it ourselves!
The green for the land, the red for the blood of our struggle, and the gold star for the light of revolution, we carry them all.
We don’t need black in the flag because we carry it in our skin, in our history and in our fight!
Tiy Todd is a student copy editor and writer for the San Francisco Bay View. She is a junior at San Francisco State University, a military veteran and a Political Science major. She affirms interning at the SF Bay View is an honor because it gives her the chance to engage in international affairs, African liberation, and the stories that mainstream media conveniently ignores or significantly waters down. You can contact Tiy at ttodd@sfsu.edu.
