Compaore bows to protest, steps down

Blaise Compaore has resigned as president of Burkina Faso following two days of violent protests in the country.

Compaore, who spent 27 years in power, announced his resignation on Friday, calling for a transitional government to conduct a free and fair election.

His attempt to have the legislature amend the constitution to pave the way for him to seek another term of five years had sparked negative reactions in the country, resulting into protests, particularly in Ouagadougou, the capital.

On Thursday, an angry mob took over the country’s national television and also forced its way into the parliamentary building, setting parts of it on fire.

Compaore had alleged that the opposition was behind the unrest, reaching out to them for negotiation but the offer was rejected.

The opposition asked him to step down but Compaore earlier ruled out any possibility of such.

Discovering that the protesters were determined, he soft-pedaled, agreeing not to seek another term but demanded that he remained in power till 2015.

Zephirin Diabre, the leader of the opposition, maintained that the only condition for peace was for Compaore to step down.

In a television broadcast, Compaore said there was now a “power vacuum” and called for transparent elections within 90 days.

“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 said.

For my part, I think I have fulfilled my duty.”

Unconfirmed reports have it that he has fled to Dakar, capital of Senegal.

Honore Traore, a general and the country’s army chief, put himself forward to take charge of governance, saying he would restore normalcy.

“In line with constitutional measures, and given the power vacuum… I will assume as of today my responsibilities as head of state,” he said.

“I undertake a solemn engagement to proceed without delay with consultations with all parties in the country so as to start the process of returning to the constitutional order as soon as possible.”