The image of Blaise Compaoré today, seemingly hollowed out and “dead inside,” paints a stark picture for many who recall his past. Once a close confidante and adopted brother to the charismatic Burkinabé leader Thomas Sankara,

Compaoré’s path diverged dramatically, culminating in the assassination of his lifelong friend.

Their bond was forged in childhood, with Sankara’s father stepping in to raise Compaoré after the early death of his own. They shared meals, traveled together, and confided in each other, a closeness that bred an unwavering trust in Sankara.

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This trust, however, proved to be tragically misplaced.

Even when intelligence reports exposed Compaoré’s plot to overthrow him, Sankara reportedly refused to allow his bodyguards to arrest his friend. He famously declared he would never betray their friendship, even if it meant his own downfall. This steadfast loyalty was tested further when Ghanaian secret services, led by then-President Jerry John Rawlings, uncovered plans not just for a coup, but for Sankara’s assassination. Rawlings offered assistance, but Sankara, with a chilling acceptance of his fate, once again declined, stating that if Compaoré intended to kill him and seize power, he could proceed.

And so, he did. Backed by France, who reportedly sought to remove Sankara due to his anti-Western and anti-colonial stance, Compaoré orchestrated the coup that ended Sankara’s life. This betrayal paved the way for Compaoré’s 27-year rule over Burkina Faso, a period marked by allegations of vast corruption and the channeling of the nation’s gold resources to France.

Today, Blaise Compaoré lives in hiding in Ivory Coast, having acquired Ivorian citizenship and a new name. He and his younger brother, also implicated in Sankara’s assassination, are now wanted by the Burkinabé government.

The once powerful leader, who sacrificed friendship for power and wealth, now lives as a fugitive, a stark reminder for many of the devastating consequences of betrayal.