News Digest

Burkina Faso president stands down after riots and calls for fresh elections

Burkina Faso’s embattled president Blaise Compaore resigned on Friday, following days of protests against efforts to extend his rule. In a statement read on the country’s news and television stations, Mr Compaore said: “I declare a vacancy of power with a view to allowing a transition that should finish with free and transparent elections in a maximum period of 90 days.” He did not say who would take power until then but it is understood the country’s constitution will see the prime minister take charge. Burkina Faso’s parliament was dissolved on Thursday, however, and the military has been very visible during the recent crisis.

As of today, Compaore is no longer in power.

Colonel Boureima Farta

Mr Compaore has been in power 27 years but had rejected calls to step down on Thursday, following demonstrations over plans to amend the country’s law to allow him to rule for longer. He had said he would no longer seek another term but would stay in power until a transitional government had completed its work in 2015. The rioting had seen protesters take over the national television station, set the parliament building on fire and storm various other official buildings in the capital Ouagadougou. The European Union said the people of Burkina Faso must be able to decide their future.

We are ready to work with the people of Burkina Faso to ensure a return to normality, including the organisation of elections.

EU spokesman