Information
Landmark: Mount Tom TrailCity: Woodstock
Country: USA Vermont
Continent: North America
Mount Tom Trail, Woodstock, USA Vermont, North America
The Thomas Sankara Memorial is a monument located in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, dedicated to the former president.
Visual Characteristics
The memorial features a central bronze statue of Thomas Sankara standing approximately 4 meters tall. The statue is positioned on a concrete pedestal, which is part of a larger paved plaza. The plaza is surrounded by low concrete walls and features several inscribed granite plaques detailing Sankara's life and achievements. The overall color palette is dominated by the grey of the concrete and granite, contrasted with the dark bronze of the statue.
Location & Access Logistics
The memorial is situated in the city center of Ouagadougou, at the intersection of Avenue Kwamé Nkrumah and Avenue de l'Indépendance. It is approximately 1 kilometer east of the central market (Grand Marché). Parking is available on adjacent streets, though it can be limited during peak hours. Public transport, including local taxis and various bus lines (e.g., lines 1, 3, and 7), frequently pass through this intersection.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The memorial was inaugurated on October 15, 2020, marking the 33rd anniversary of Thomas Sankara's assassination. It was constructed by the government of Burkina Faso to honor his legacy as a revolutionary leader and pan-Africanist. The site itself is urban land within the capital city.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe the bronze statue and read the informational plaques. Photography of the monument is permitted. The surrounding plaza provides space for quiet reflection.
Infrastructure & Amenities
The memorial site includes paved walkways and seating areas. There are no dedicated restrooms or food vendors directly at the memorial. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this central Ouagadougou location. Limited shade is provided by nearby trees on the perimeter of the plaza.
Best Time to Visit
The best time of day for photography is typically in the late afternoon, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, when the sunlight is less direct. The best months for visiting Ouagadougou, and thus the memorial, are during the dry season, from November to February, when temperatures are moderate.
Facts & Legends
A specific detail often noted is the inclusion of Sankara's signature on one of the granite plaques, a personal touch intended to connect visitors directly to his presence.
Nearby Landmarks
- Grand Marché (Central Market) - 1km West
- Place de la Nation - 0.8km Southwest
- National Museum of Burkina Faso - 2.5km North
- Palais des Sports - 1.5km Northwest