Sangoulé Lamizana

Aboubakar Sangoulé Lamizana (Known as "General Lamizana")

Second President of Upper Volta (1966–1980), General, WWII and Indochina Veteran

Born 1916-01-31

Dianra, Tougan, Burkina Faso

Passed Away 2005-05-26 Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Lifespan 89 years old

0 views

Notice / Correction

"The army must never rule against the people; we stepped forward only to preserve civil peace."

Archival Overview

Decorated veteran and general who served as President of Upper Volta from 1966 to 1980, maintaining national unity during catastrophic Sahelian droughts and organizing democratic constitutional transitions.

Biographical Record

Aboubakar Sangoulé Lamizana was born on January 31, 1916, in Dianra. Serving in the French colonial army during World War II and the First Indochina War, Lamizana rose to become Chief of Staff of the newly created Upper Voltan armed forces upon independence.

In January 1966, following a massive popular general strike protesting the authoritarian austerity of Maurice Yaméogo, General Lamizana assumed power with the consensus of trade unions and religious leaders. Leading the nation through the devastating Sahel drought of the early 1970s, he successfully drafted the democratic 1977 Constitution and won the competitive 1978 presidential election before being deposed in a bloodless coup in 1980.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

0 messages recorded

Leave a Respectful Tribute

Select a sentiment or reaction (optional):

Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

Your Name / Title *

Your Email (Private, for anti-abuse)

Tribute Message *

No tributes recorded yet. Be the first to leave a message in honor of Sangoulé Lamizana.

Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Gounghin Military Cemetery
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

                         GPS: 12.3550, -1.5400                    

View on Memory Atlas

Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.

Read Governance Policy →