Burkina Faso

Last modified: 2005-07-16 by antonio martins
Keywords: burkina faso | star: 5 points (yellow) | error | law | presidential |
Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors

• Origin of the flag
• Design details
• Efforts to raise flag awareness
• Presidential flag
• Other flags
• 1984 name change
• Aircraft markings
• Coat of arms of Burkina Faso

• Upper Volta (1959-1984)

Origin of the flag

In August 1984 there was a coup and a new flag and emblem were adopted. The new flag is in the pan-African colours, reflecting both a break with the country’s colonial past and its unity with other African ex-colonies. The red is also said to symbolize the revolution and the green the abundance of natural riches. The yellow star placed over the red and green stripes is the guiding light of the revolution.
Ivan Sache, 26 Dec 1999, quoting from [udk97]

New flag I believe that was a personal decision of pro-soviet president Sankara, perhaps under Vietcong inspiration (this is a personal observation). Flag was adopted 4 August 1984, first anniversary of the people’s democratic revolution (Sankara coup). According comunication of the Comité de Defense de la Revolution to Lucien Philippe en August 1984, the red is the symbol of the revolutionary strugle, the green is for agriculture, abundance and hope; and yellow is for countries riches. Its five points symbolize the guidance of the revolution.
Jaume Ollé, 01 Jan 2000