Thomas Isidore Noël Sankara (1949-1987) was a Burkinabé revolutionary, politician and military officer. He served as President of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987.

*Early Life and Education*

1. *Born*: December 21, 1949, in Yako, French Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso).
2. *Parents*: Joseph Sankara (father) and Marguerite Kinda (mother).
3. *Ethnicity*: Mossi.
4. *Education*: Primary school in Yako, secondary school in Ouagadougou.

*Military Career*

1. *Enlisted*: 1966, in the Upper Volta army.
2. *Training*: Attended military academies in Upper Volta and Madagascar.
3. *Rank*: Rose to captain by 1981.
4. Influenced by Marxist and Pan-African ideologies.

*Rise to Power*

1. *1980 coup*: Participated in the coup that overthrew President Sangoulé Lamizana.
2. *1982*: Became Minister of Information under President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo.
3. *1983*: Led a coup against Ouédraogo, becoming President at 33.

*Presidency (1983-1987)*

1. *National Revolutionary Council*: Established to oversee radical reforms.
2. *Renamed country*: Upper Volta became Burkina Faso (meaning \"land of upright people\").
3. *Economic reforms*: Nationalized industries, redistributed land, promoted self-sufficiency.
4. *Social reforms*: Free education, healthcare, advocacy for women\'s rights.
5. *Environmental initiatives*: Reforestation programs.

*Foreign Policy*

1. *Anti-imperialism*: Opposed foreign interference, promoted African unity.
2. *Relationships*: Fostered ties with Cuba, Soviet Union, Libya.
3. *Non-Aligned Movement*: Active participant.

*Assassination*

1. *October 15, 1987*: Overthrown and killed by forces led by Blaise Compaoré.
2. *Buried*: In a clandestine grave; reburied in 1997.

*Legacy*

1. *Pan-African icon*: Inspired social movements across Africa.
2. *Economic growth*: Improved Burkina Faso\'s economy.
3. *Cultural revival*: Promoted African culture, values.
4. *Symbol of resistance*: Against imperialism, oppression.

*Writings and Quotes*

1. \"Thomas Sankara Speaks: The Burkina Faso Revolution\" (1988)
2. \"We must dare to invent the future.\"
3. \"The revolution is not a bed of roses.\"
4. \"The duty of a revolutionary is to make revolution.\"

*Tributes*

1. *Thomas Sankara Memorial*: Ouagadougou.
2. *Sankara Day*: Commemorated annually on October 15.
3. *Biographies, films*: Documenting life, legacy.