THOMAS SANKARA

In just four years (1983–1987), Thomas Sankara transformed Burkina Faso without foreign aid. He built 350 schools, roads, and railways, raising literacy rates by 60%. He banned forced marriages, redistributed land to the poor, vaccinated 2.5 million children, planted 10 million trees to combat desertification, and championed women's rights by appointing them to high positions, encouraging them to work, recruiting them into the military, and introducing pregnancy leave.

Sankara sold off luxury government cars, making the affordable Renault 5 the official ministerial vehicle. He slashed public servant salaries, including his own, and banned first-class flights and government chauffeurs. He lived modestly, earning $450 a month, owning only a car, four bicycles, three guitars, a fridge, and a broken freezer.

Rejecting foreign aid with the belief that "he who feeds you controls you," Sankara opposed imperialism, expelled French influence, and withdrew Burkina Faso from the IMF. His visionary leadership was tragically cut short, leaving an enduring legacy.