Burkina Faso general takes over as Compaore resigns 31 Oct 2014 0 comment 10 Font size decrease font size increase font size Burkina Faso general takes over as Compaore resigns Burkina Fasos 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 Compaores 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. 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. President Compaore had earlier urged talks with all partiesPresident Compaore had earlier urged talks with all parties Mr Compaores 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. 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. Gen Traore has now said he has taken over. Late on Thursday, he had announced the creation of the transitional government, declared the dissolution of parliament and imposed a night curfew. BBC News looks back at Blaise Compaores three decades of power . Former soldier and served under President Thomas Sankara as minister of state to the presidency . Took power after Sankara was killed in mysterious circumstances by a group of soldiers in 1987 . First elected president in 1991 and again in 1998 . A new constitution in 2000 limited presidents to two terms in office, and limited terms to five years . Won two further terms . Faced outbreaks of violence on several occasions, including a military mutiny in 2011 . Protests at attempts to amend the term limits began a year ago, fuelled by the high cost of living Source: BBC
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 13:18:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015