President Compaore of Burkina Faso Resigns After Citizens’ Mass Protest

One of Africa’s longest-serving despot, President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso’s has resigned from office, following a popular revolt over his attempt to extend his 27-year rule by additional five years.

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

Citizens of Burkina Faso staged protests over attempt to amend the constitution. The protesters set fire on the parliament and government buildings on Thursday.

Following the protests, Mr. Compaore said he would step down after a 12-month transitional government had ended.

However, the opposition continued to demand that he resign, angry at his attempts to amend the constitution and extend his rule.

But on Friday, Mr Compaore bowed to the demand of the protesters and announced his resignation.

“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,” Mr Compaore’s statement, read on television, said.

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.

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