On October 15, 1987, a violent political transformation occurred in Burkina Faso when Thomas Sankara, who had been in power since 1983, was overthrown and assassinated in a coup d'état. Sankara was known for his charismatic leadership, his advocacy for self-sufficient economic policies, and his commitment to social justice, which made him a beloved figure domestically and a compelling voice against neocolonialism internationally. However, his radical policies, such as land reform and women's rights initiatives, created tensions with various sectors of society and led to strained relationships with neighboring countries and traditional power supporters.

The coup was orchestrated by Blaise Compaoré, who had been a close ally of Sankara but became increasingly disillusioned with his leadership. In the early hours of the coup, soldiers surrounded Sankara's residence in Ouagadougou, leading to intense gunfire. Compaoré's forces successfully stormed the building, resulting in the assassination of Sankara and several of his aides. Following the coup, Compaoré assumed power and ruled Burkina Faso for 27 years, steering the nation towards a more pro-Western policy stance, which contrasted starkly with Sankara's orientation. Compaoré's government also faced internal dissent and significant challenges, including allegations of corruption.

The impact of Sankara's assassination reverberated through Burkina Faso and West Africa. His efforts to change the socio-political landscape had made a lasting mark, inspiring movements across the continent. While Compaoré's regime stabilized the country politically and economically in the short term, it did not adopt the progressive policies that Sankara had championed. The legacy of Sankara remains a point of reference in discussions of revolutionary politics, African independence, and anti-colonial movements.