Collective memory: architect Francis Kéré for Thomas Sankara

The mausoleum, designed by Francis Kéré, stands out for its blend of tradition and modernity. Its form is inspired by the eye, a symbol of vigilance and transmission, while the circular arrangement of the tombs, the monumental ramp, and the thirteen segments evoke unity and collective sacrifice. The materials used—compressed earth blocks, laterite, granite—embody the choice of autonomy, simplicity, and the valorization of local resources, echoing Sankara’s vision for endogenous and sustainable development.