BURKINA FASO: INTERVIEW WITH SANKARA’S FAMILY LAWYER BENEWENDE SANKARA ABOUT THOMAS SANKARA’S DNA COUNTER-EXPERTISE RESULT

After the release of the counter-expertise of the DNA of Thomas Sankara, we met the lawyer Benewende Sankara. He is also the president of UNIR\PS a party promoting Sankara’s ideology and the vice-president of the National Assembly of Burkina Faso.

The counter-expertise of Thomas Sankara DNA required by the late captain’s heirs and 11 other families has finally delivered its results. This 2^nd result is without any big surprise and is confirming strongly the first DNA expertise done in laboratory in Marseille France republic on May 2015. Why a counter-expertise then?

Lawyer Benewende SANKARA: The laboratory of Marseille did not find the DNA during researches. As the criminal code allows a counter expertise, the family of Thomas Sankara required it. And it was done by Santiago University and in this day Monday, June the 19^th the prosecutor convened the parties talking about the incriminated persons and complainers’ lawyers in order to deliver the result of the 2^nd expertise. And this counter-expertise appeared to be infructuous.

So we didn’t find or using the scientific words, forensics didn’t clearly identified the DNA of President Thomas Sankara murdered on October the 15^th 1987. Despite this counter-expertise result, the case is still on the judges table and the prosecution continue. But something is sure the case is taking another development that is not facilitating the truth to be stated during the trial.

Lawyer: If the family required a DNA test is for a reason. It is to prove regarding scientific evidences if the body interred in the grave belongs really to Thomas Sankara. Today it is unlucky and very sad to notice that it is not possible to identify him. But as said this doesn’t impeach the trial, the prosecution is still going on with main difficulties concerning the certification of his DNA.

In the framework of this pending case, many people have been inculpated 11 are still in jail and 4 other incriminated are in interim release. This case is lasting more than 20 years now. 20 years without light with ups and downs. But when are we going to see the end of the road?

Lawyer: The end of the road ( hesitation) I cannot say exactly when. But in our case we have a formula that we use to repeat to ourselves. As long as the night will be, the day will show up.

And this day, the day when all the light will be done on the assassination of President Thomas Sankara is awaited by many Burkinabe but also by millions young people in Africa and beyond. Young people who bear the ideology of the father of Burkina Faso revolution.