About this book:

Explore the complex and enduring history of Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation at the heart of West Africa whose past is a testament to the resilience of its people. This comprehensive history delves into the region's earliest beginnings, uncovering archaeological evidence of ancient hunter-gatherer societies and the transformative emergence of agriculture and iron metallurgy. It charts the rise of sophisticated pre-colonial societies, most notably the powerful Mossi kingdoms, whose centralized structures, military prowess, and unique political dynamics shaped the central plateau for centuries, alongside the diverse, often decentralized, peoples of the west, south, and east like the Bobo, Lobi, Gurunsi, and Gurma.

The narrative then transitions to the dramatic period of the Scramble for Africa, detailing the French conquest, the varied forms of African resistance and accommodation, and the arbitrary imposition and subsequent fragmentation and re-creation of the colonial territory known as Upper Volta. Witness the struggle for independence and the turbulent post-colonial journey marked by political awakening, the first years under Maurice Yaméogo, and a recurring cycle of military coups and attempts at civilian rule under figures like Sangoulé Lamizana and Saye Zerbo. The book examines the revolutionary vision of Thomas Sankara and the dramatic reversal that followed his overthrow by Blaise Compaoré, whose nearly three-decade rule brought its own mix of reform and repression.

Finally, the story culminates in the pivotal popular uprising of 2014 that forced Compaoré from power, the subsequent transition to elected civilian government, and the formidable challenges facing Burkina Faso today. It analyzes the rapid escalation of insecurity driven by jihadist insurgency, the return of military coups in 2022, and the current precarious state of a nation navigating conflict, displacement, and the quest for a stable future. This book offers a vital understanding of the deep historical forces and persistent struggles that have shaped the Land of Upright People, providing essential context for its present challenges and future trajectory.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Trace the region's history from ancient inhabitants and early Iron Age societies through the emergence of complex pre-colonial kingdoms and diverse cultures.
• Explore the rise, structure, and remarkable resilience of the Mossi kingdoms, including their interactions with powerful Sahelian empires and resistance to conquest.
• Understand the impact of the European Scramble for Africa, the French conquest, initial colonial administration, and major resistance movements like the Volta-Bani War.
• Analyze the tumultuous post-independence period, marked by political instability, military coups, the revolutionary era of Thomas Sankara, and the long rule of Blaise Compaoré.
• Examine recent history, including the 2014 popular uprising that ended Compaoré's rule, the subsequent transitions, and the current challenges of insecurity and recurring coups.

Who's It For:

This book is for anyone interested in the rich and complex history of West Africa, particularly the nation of Burkina Faso. It is suitable for students, scholars, and general readers seeking a comprehensive overview of the region's journey from deep prehistory through to its contemporary challenges, focusing on political, social, and cultural developments.