Revolution Day (Burkina Faso)

Revolution Day is a public holiday in Burkina Faso, and it is observed on January 3 each year. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the 1966 Upper Voltan coup, which forced President Maurice Yameogo to resign.

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. France invaded the territory in the late 19th century, and Burkina Faso became a French Protectorate in 1896.

Following the collapse of the Fourth Republic in 1958, the new French constitution gave options to its colonies, either becoming part of the new French community with more autonomy or becoming an independent country.

As a result, the territory achieved an autonomous state and established the Republic of Upper Volta within the French Community on December 11, 1958. On August 5, 1960, Burkina Faso gained full independence as the Republic of Upper Volta.

Maurice Yameogo became the first President of the country. He dissolved all opposition parties and created a single-party dictatorship. By 1966, the harsh policies, increasing economic troubles, and deeply corrupt administration state made him unpopular.

On January 3, 1966, cutting salaries and raising taxes led to the general strike. Lieutenant Colonel Sangoule Lamizana seized power and served as the 2nd President for the next 14 years. Maurice Yameogo was forced to resign from the presidency and was later imprisoned.

The following is the list of Revolution Day in Burkina Faso from 2022 to 2026.

Please check more public holidays in Burkina Faso: