Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo
Jean-Baptiste Philippe Ouédraogo (French pronunciation: [ʒɑ̃ batist filip wedʁaɔɡo]; born 30 June 1942), also referred to by his initials JBO, is a Burkinabé physician and retired military officer who served as President of Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) from 8 November 1982 to 4 August 1983. He has since mediated a few national political disputes and operates a clinic in Somgandé.
Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo | |
|---|---|
Ouédraogo at a book signing in 2020 | |
| President of Upper Volta | |
| In office 9 November 1982 – 4 August 1983 | |
| Prime Minister | Thomas Sankara |
| Preceded by | Saye Zerbo |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Sankara |
| Minister of National Defence and Veterans Affairs of Upper Volta | |
| In office 26 November 1982 – 23 August 1983 | |
| Preceded by | Saye Zerbo |
| Succeeded by | Jean-Baptiste Boukary Lingani |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 June 1942 Kaya, French West Africa (now Burkina Faso) |
| Spouse | Bernadette Ouédraogo |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Abidjan University of Strasbourg |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Republic of Upper Volta |
| Years of service | 1972–1983 |
| Rank | Médicin-commandant (major) |
Ouédraogo received his early education in Upper Volta before joining the Upper Voltan Army and studying medicine abroad. After working in healthcare, he was appointed chief medical officer of the Ouagadougou military camp. He participated in the November 1982 coup d'état and shortly thereafter assumed the presidency. More ideologically moderate than most of his comrades, Ouédraogo did not command much popular support and governed the country amid an unstable political climate. A protracted dispute with Prime Minister Thomas Sankara resulted in his removal from power in a coup in August 1983 and imprisonment. He was released in 1985 and resumed medical work. He opened a clinic in Somgandé in 1992, which he still operates. In the 2010s, he acted as a mediator between opposing political factions.