A Radiant Future - Thomas Sankara

People of Upper Volta:
Today, once again, soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers of the national army and the
paramilitary forces found themselves compelled to intervene in the running of state affairs in order to
restore independence and liberty to our country and dignity to our people.
The patriotic and progressive objectives that justified the formation of the formation of the Council of
Popular Salvation on November 7, 1982, were betrayed on May 17, 1983, that is, only six months later,
by individuals vehemently opposed to the Voltaic people's interests and their aspirations for democracy
and liberty.
You know these individuals, because they fraudulently wormed their way into the history of our
people. They became notorious, first through their two-faced policies, and later through their open
alliance with all the conservative and reactionary forces who are capable only of serving the interests of
the enemies of the people, the interests of foreign domination and neocolonialism.
Today, August 4, 1983, soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers from all military services and
all units, in a surge of patriotism, have decided to sweep away this unpopular regime, the submissive
and groveling regime established on May 17, 1983, by doctor and commander Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo,
under the tutelage of Colonel Gabriel Somé Yoryan and his henchmen.
Today, August 4, 1983, the patriotic and progressive soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers
have thus restored the honor of our people and their army and have given them back their dignity,
enabling them to enjoy once again the esteem and respect that everyone, both in Upper Volta and
abroad, accorded them from November 7, 1982, to May 17, 1983.
In order to achieve these goals of honor, dignity, genuine independence, and progress for Upper
Volta and its people, the current movement of the Voltaic armed forces, having drawn the lessons of the
bitter experiences of the CSP, has on this day, August 4, 1983, formed the National Council of the
Revolution. This body now assumes state power, putting an end to the bogus regime of the CSP of
Commander Jea-Baptiste Ouédraogo, who moreover had arbitrarily dissolved it.
People of Upper Volta, the National Council of the Revolution calls on all Voltaics, men and women,
young and old, to mobilize and remain vigilant, in order to give the CNR their active support. The
National Council of the Revolution invites the Voltaic people to form committees for the Defense of the
Revolution everywhere, in order to participate in the CNR's great patriotic struggle and to prevent our
enemies here and abroad from doing our people harm. It goes without saying that the political parties
are dissolved.¹
On the international level, the National Council of the Revolution pledges to respect the agreements
between our country and other states. Likewise, it maintains our country's membership in regional,
continental, and international organizations.
The National Council of the Revolution is not directed against any country, state, or people. It
proclaims its solidarity with all peoples and its intention is to live in peace and friendship with all
countries, in particular with all of Upper Volta's neighboring countries.
The basic purpose and objective of the National Council of the Revolution is to defend the interests of
the Voltaic people and to achieve their deep aspirations for liberty, for genuine independence, and for
economic and social progress.
People of Upper Volta:
Let us all move forward with the National Council of the Revolution in this great patriotic battle for
the radiant future of our country!
Homeland or death, we will win!
Long live the Voltaic people!
Long live the National Council of the Revolution!