Ex-president wanted over killing of Thomas Sankara

Source: ALJAZEERA

Burkina Faso has issued an international arrest warrant for ousted leader Blaise Compaore in connection with the murder of former President Thomas Sankara, news reports said on Monday.
Sankara, a revolutionary figure who is still a hero to many in West Africa, was killed on October 15, 1987, during the coup that brought his friend and former comrade-in-arms Compaore to power.

"I confirm that an international arrest warrant was issued against [ex-]President Blaise Compaore by the investigating judge," Prosper Farama, a lawyer for Sankara's family, told Reuters news agency.
Compaore himself was driven from power last October by crowds opposing his bid to change the West African country's constitution and extend his 27-year rule. He fled to neighbouring Ivory Coast, where he is now thought to be based.
At least five other people, mostly former soldiers, have been charged in connection with Sankara's killing - including General Gilbert Diendere, Compaore's former chief-of-staff, who led a failed coup in September.

Sankara took power in a coup in 1983 and pursued a philosophy of Marxism and pan-Africanism that led him to be called "Africa's Che Guevara".