How long was Burkino Faso under French occupation

Introduction

Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, was under French occupation for approximately 64 years, from 1896 to 1960.

French Colonial Period

The French colonial period in Burkina Faso began in 1896 when France invaded the territory and established it as a French protectorate. By 1898, most of the area corresponding to present-day Burkina Faso had been conquered by French forces.

Key Events During French Rule

1919: French Upper Volta was officially established as a separate colony within French West Africa.

1932: The colony was dissolved and its territory divided among neighboring French colonies.

1947: Upper Volta was reconstituted as a separate colony.

1958: Upper Volta became a self-governing colony within the French Community.

The local population of Burkina Faso (then known as Upper Volta) resisted French colonization through various means, including armed uprisings, political movements, and cultural preservation efforts. Here are some key aspects of their resistance:

Armed Resistance

Volta-Bani War

The most significant armed resistance against French colonial rule was the Volta-Bani War, which took place between 1915 and 1917. This anti-colonial rebellion involved a coalition of indigenous African forces from various local peoples who rose up against the French Army. At its peak in 1916, the rebels mustered 15,000–20,000 men and fought on several fronts.

Initial Conquest Resistance

When the French first arrived in 1896, they faced strong resistance from the Mossi people. The resistance ended only after the capture of the Mossi capital, Ouagadougou.

Political and Social Resistance

Anti-Conscription Movement

The Volta-Bani War was partly triggered by the introduction of conscription for the French Army during World War I. Local populations strongly opposed this forced recruitment.

Resistance to Forced Labor

The French colonial administration imposed forced labor on the local population, which was met with significant resistance. This included refusal to work and attempts to escape the harsh conditions.

Cultural Resistance

Preservation of Traditional Structures

Despite French colonial rule, some traditional political structures persisted. For example, in Ouagadougou, the Mogho Naba continued to perform royal rituals from pre-colonial times.

Religious Resistance

The Mossi Kingdoms maintained their local cult beliefs even as Islam spread across West Africa, demonstrating a form of cultural resistance to external influences.

Post-Independence Resistance

Even after independence in 1960, resistance against French influence continued:

Thomas Sankara’s Revolution

In 1983, Thomas Sankara led a revolution that sought to eliminate French political and economic influence. He renamed the country Burkina Faso and pursued anti-imperialist policies.

Recent Anti-French Movements

In recent years, new anti-French movements have emerged in Burkina Faso. For instance, in 2022, demonstrators gathered to protest the presence of the French military in the country.

The resistance of the Burkinabé people against French colonization and post-colonial influence has been a continuous thread throughout their history, reflecting a strong desire for self-determination and preservation of their cultural identity.

Conclusion

On August 5, 1960, Upper Volta gained full independence from France. This marked the end of the French colonial period in the country.

It’s worth noting that even after independence, France maintained some influence in the region. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to reduce French military presence in the country.