BREAKING News: Burkina Faso’s Compaore Resigns After Violent Protests - General Takes Over

Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore has announced his resignation, following violent protests at his attempt to extend his 27-year rule.

Mr Compaore issued a statement saying the presidency was now vacant and urging elections within 90 days.

Military chief Gen Honore Traore says he has taken over as head of state.

On Thursday, protesters angry at Mr Compaore's attempt to amend the constitution set fire to parliament and government buildings.

'Social peace'

Following the protests, Mr Compaore said he had agreed not to seek another term, but that he would remain in power until a transitional government had completed its work in 2015.

Gen Honore Traore has now said he has taken over

The army imposed curfew Thursday and announced a transitional government that will last one year, but refused to state clearly who will lead the government.

The head of the armed forces, General Honore Traore, had earlier dissolved parliament and announced talks with all political parties.

Hundreds of soldiers in Burkina Faso on Thursday joined demonstrators opposing plans to extend Mr. Compaore’s nearly three-decade rule, Radio France Internationale reported.

However, the opposition continued to demand that he resign. Its leader, Zephirin Diabre, urged protesters to occupy public spaces.

There were cheers when an army spokesman told the crowd gathered in front of army headquarters on Friday that Mr Compaore had left office, AFP news agency reports.

Mr Compaore's statement, read on television, said: "In order to preserve the democratic gains, as well as social peace, I declare a power vacuum to allow the establishment of a transition leading to free and fair elections within a maximum of 90 days."

He added: "For my part, I think I have fulfilled my duty."

His whereabouts now remain unclear.

However, Reuters news agency reported that a heavily armed convoy believed to be carrying Mr Compaore was travelling towards the southern town of Po.

France welcomed the resignation, saying it "allows a solution to be found to the crisis".

Gen Traore has now said he has taken over.

In a statement, he said: "In line with constitutional measures, and given the power vacuum... I will assume as of today my responsibilities as head of state."

Late on Thursday, he had announced the creation of the transitional government, declared the dissolution of parliament and imposed a night curfew.

BBC's James Copnall on Blaise Compaore's career

Jump media player

Media player help

Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.

BBC News looks back at Blaise Compaore's three decades of power

Blaise Compaore was a young army officer when he seized power in 1987, a taciturn man who became known as Beau Blaise - good looking Blaise. The nickname did not necessarily suggest he was popular. Many blamed him for the death of his predecessor, the charismatic revolutionary Thomas Sankara, who was killed by soldiers in mysterious circumstances.

Controversy would be a perpetual feature of Beau Blaise's time in power. The president was accused of stoking rebellions around West Africa. Yet over time Mr Compaore oversaw a transformation of his image, internationally at least. This inflammatory figure became a man relied upon to put out fires around the region.

Mr Compaore won a series of elections, though the opposition always complained the odds were stacked dramatically in his favour. He largely followed the economic orthodoxy prescribed by international financial institutions. But Burkina Faso did not escape the poverty trap. It remains one of the least developed countries in the world.

BURKINA FASO: Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore resigned on Friday after violent protests against his attempt to seek a fixed term. The chief of the Burkina Faso army, General Honore Traore, announced in a televised statement on Thursday evening, the dissolution of both the government and the general assembly. General Traore, has assumed the position of head of state.

This statement is embeddable: Blaise Compaore via Facebook

Translation: People of Burkina Faso,
In view of the socio-political situation deteriorating sharply and characterized by the persistence of public order disturbances, looting of public and private property, threats of division of our National Army and the desire to preserve the democratic gains and social peace in our country, I decided to implement Article 43 of our Constitution. I declare a power vacuum to allow the immediate establishment of a transition leading to free and fair elections in a maximum statutory period of 90 days.
I call on all peaceful citizens, political actors and civil society to take more responsibility for stopping disorders that can only delay our march towards development.
For my part, I think I have done my duty, with my sole concern, the best interests of the nation.
God bless Burkina.
Blaise Compaoré.
President of Burkina Faso

Déclaration

Peuple du Burkina Faso,

Au regard de la situation socio-politique fortement dégradée et caractérisée par la persistance des troubles à l'ordre public, les pillages des biens publics et privés, les menaces de division de notre Armée nationale et dans le souci de préserver les acquis démocratiques ainsi que la paix sociale dans notre pays, j'ai décidé de mettre en œuvre l'article 43 de notre Constitution, je déclare la vacance du pouvoir en vue de permettre la mise en place immédiate d'une transition devant aboutir à des élections libres et transparentes dans le délai légal maximal de 90 jours.

J'appelle l'ensemble des citoyens au calme, les acteurs politiques et la société civile à plus de responsabilité pour l'arrêt des troubles qui ne peuvent que retarder notre marche vers le développement.

Pour ma part, je pense avoir accompli mon devoir, en ayant pour seul souci, l'intérêt supérieur de la nation.
Dieu bénisse le Burkina.

Blaise Compaoré.
Président du Faso

Credit: BBC.