In August 1983, Captain Thomas Sankara, a key military figure in Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), seized power from President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo in a swift and effectively executed coup d'état. The political climate at the time was tense, with citizens increasingly frustrated by corrupt practices and the deteriorating economic situation under Ouédraogo’s rule since his rise to the presidency in 1980. Strikes and protests had begun to unravel the public's faith in the government, prompting calls for change. Sankara, supported by a faction of the military and the popular sentiment among the populace, capitalized on these discontented feelings. He became a symbol of hope for many, promising to eradicate corruption and implement policies focused on social justice and economic self-sufficiency.

Once in power, Sankara quickly initiated a series of reforms aimed at transforming the country’s economic structure and societal norms. His administration emphasized education, women's rights, and health initiatives, along with land redistribution policies that aimed to empower the rural population. The radical approaches taken by Sankara often put him at odds with traditional power structures and garnered both national and international attention. Despite facing challenges from within and outside the military, Sankara’s ability to rally public support was a key factor in maintaining control and implementing his vision for Upper Volta.

This coup not only redistributed power within the military and government but also laid the groundwork for Sankara’s legacy as a transformative leader who would remain influential in African politics, even after his assassination in 1987. His charisma and commitment to innovative policies made him a revered figure among many activists in Africa.