“HE WHO FEEDS YOU CONTROLS YOU.” — THOMAS SANKARA

Thomas Sankara’s famous words were about more than food. They captured a broader question of economic dependence and political independence.

In 1984, as Burkina Faso’s president, Sankara pushed for greater self reliance, including policies aimed at increasing local food production and reducing dependence on imported goods.

His message was simple: political independence means little if a country remains unable to provide for itself.

For Sankara, producing what a nation consumes was connected to dignity, sovereignty, and freedom of decision. He challenged Africans to question systems that could leave countries dependent on outside powers for basic necessities.

But his ideas remain relevant beyond Burkina Faso.

What happens when a nation depends heavily on others for its food, medicine, energy, technology, or financing?

Does economic dependence eventually influence political choices?

These are uncomfortable questions, but they are worth asking.

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Source: Thomas Sankara, speeches and interviews, 1983–1987; Thomas Sankara Memorial/archival records.