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Burkina Faso’s president Blaise Compaoré has stepped down, says army Burkina Faso’s president Blaise Compaoré resigns after street protests
(35 minutes later)
An army official claimed on Friday that Burkina Faso’s embattled President Blaise Compaoré has left power, prompting an outburst of cheers from protesters demanding his resignation. Burkina Faso’s leader of 27 years has stepped down following violent protests against his attempt to seek a fifth term in power.
“As of today, Compaoré is no longer in power,” Colonel Boureima Farta told tens of thousands of protesters who had gathered in front of the army headquarters. In a statement read out on national television on Friday, Blaise Compaoré called for a 90-day transition to elections.
Farta spoke to the crowd shortly after noon, hoisted on the shoulders of other officers. “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,” the statement said.
The chief of armed forces, General Honore Traore said that he had taken over as head of state.
News of Compaore’s departure had initially come from an army official who addressed protesters in front of the army headquarters.
“As of today, Compaoré is no longer in power,” Colonel Boureima Farta said shortly after noon local time, while hoisted on the shoulders of other officers. .
On Thursday the army dissolved parliament and announced a transitional government.On Thursday the army dissolved parliament and announced a transitional government.
Compaoré, who has been in power for 27 years, on Thursday rejected calls to step down following angry demonstrations over plans to amend the constitution to allow him to extend his rule.Compaoré, who has been in power for 27 years, on Thursday rejected calls to step down following angry demonstrations over plans to amend the constitution to allow him to extend his rule.
He said he would no longer seek another term but would stay in power through 2015 under a transitional government.He said he would no longer seek another term but would stay in power through 2015 under a transitional government.