Aboubacar Lamizana
- Sangoulé Lamizana: A Military Leader and Statesman
- Military Career
- Presidency
- Constitutional Reforms and Dictatorship
- Re-Election and Overthrow
- Trial and Acquittal
Sangoulé Lamizana: A Military Leader and Statesman
Early Life and EducationSangoulé Lamizana was born into a modest peasant family in Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso). A devout Muslim, he attended a regional school in Ouahigouya and later graduated from the École des Officiers Africains in Saint-Louis, Senegal.
Military Career
In 1936, Lamizana joined the French colonial army. He fought in Indochina and Algeria, rising to the rank of captain. After Upper Volta's independence, he played a key role in establishing the national armed forces.
Presidency
In 1967, Lamizana was promoted to brigadier general. Following popular demonstrations in Ouagadougou, he became President of Upper Volta in 1966.
Constitutional Reforms and Dictatorship
Lamizana's plan was to transition to civilian rule within four years. However, a severe drought in the early 1970s led to factionalism within the government. Lamizana deposed Prime Minister Gérard Kango Ouédraogo in 1974 and assumed both presidential and prime ministerial powers, effectively becoming a dictator.
Re-Election and Overthrow
With the support of labor unions, Lamizana was re-elected in 1978. However, he was overthrown in a bloodless military coup led by Saye Zerbo in 1980.
Trial and Acquittal
In 1985, Lamizana faced charges of abuse of power at the People's Tribunal of Burkina Faso but was acquitted.
