Thomas Sankara Speaks. Thomas Sankara

the field of housing – a field of crucial importance – we must undertake a vigorous policy to end real estate speculation and the exploitation of workers through rent-gouging. Important measures in this field must be taken:

      •Setting reasonable rents.

      •Rapidly dividing neighbourhoods into lots.

      •Undertaking large-scale construction of modern residential homes, in sufficient numbers and accessible for workers.

      One of the CNR’s essential concerns is to unite the different nationalities that exist in Upper Volta in the common struggle against our revolution’s enemies. There are indeed in our country a multitude of ethnic groups that differ from each other in language and customs. The Voltaic nation consists of the totality of these nationalities. Imperialism, through its policy of divide and rule, strove to exacerbate the contradictions among them, to set one against the other.

      The CNR’s policy aims to unite these different nationalities so that they live on an equal basis and enjoy equal opportunities for success. To do that, special emphasis will be placed on:

      •Promoting economic development of the different regions.

      •Encouraging economic exchanges between them.

      •Combating prejudices between the ethnic groups, resolving in a spirit of unity the differences that divide them.

      •Punishing those who foment divisions.

      In view of all the problems that our country faces, the revolution can be described as a challenge that we must rise to. We do so driven by the will to victory, and together with the active participation of the popular masses mobilised through the CDRs.

      In the near future, with the elaboration of programmes for the various sectors, the entire territory of Upper Volta will be one vast construction site. The participation of all Voltaics able and old enough to work will be needed in the ruthless fight we will be waging to transform this country into a prosperous and radiant country, a country where the people will be the only masters of the nation’s material and spiritual wealth.

      Finally, we must define the place of the Voltaic revolution in the world revolutionary process. Our revolution is an integral part of the world movement for peace and democracy, against imperialism and all forms of hegemonism. That is why we will strive to establish diplomatic relations with other countries, regardless of their political and economic systems, on the basis of the following principles:

      •Respect for each other’s independence, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty.

      •Mutual nonaggression.

      •Non-interference in domestic affairs.

      •Trade with all countries on an equal footing and on the basis of mutual benefit.

      We will give active solidarity and support to national liberation movements fighting for the independence of their countries and the liberation of their peoples. This support is directed in particular:

      •To the Namibian people, under the leadership of SWAPO.

      •To the Saharawi people, in their struggle to recover their national territory.

      •To the Palestinian people, for their national rights.

      Objectively, the anti-imperialist African countries are allies in our struggle. The neo-colonial alliances operating on our continent make closer ties with these countries necessary.

      Long live the democratic and popular revolution!

      Long live the National Council of the Revolution!

      Homeland or death, we will win!