1980 Upper Voltan coup d'état similar actions, Zerbo was overthrown by the military in yet another coup in 1982, making Major Dr. Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo President. Military rule has continued in the country since then, with numerous coups and coup attempts. 1980 Upper Voltan coup d'état The 1980 Upper Voltan coup d'état took place on 25 November 1980 in the Republic of Upper Volta (today Burkina Faso). Following a long period of drought, famine, popular unrest and labour strikes, Colonel Saye Zerbo overthrew President Sangoulé Lamizana, another military leader. Zerbo himself would be overthrown only two years later. Upper Volta had gained independence from France in
Republic of Upper Volta Commissioner: From 1971 to 1987, the Republic of Upper Volta was reigned by Prime Minister: The three colors of the national flag of Upper Volta come from the fact that the Volta has three parts: In French: Verse 1: "Fière Volta de mes aieux," "Ton soleil ardent et glorieux" "Te revêt d'or et de fierté" "Ô Reine drapée de loyauté !" Refrain: "Nous te ferons et plus forte, et plus belle" "À ton amour nous resterons fidèles" "Et nos cœurs vibrant de fierté" "Acclameront ta beauté" "Vers l'horizon lève les yeux" "Frémis aux accents tumultueux" "De tes fiers enfants tous