President Blaise Compaore Steps Down

The president of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore has stepped down after violent protests calling for his resignation.

Compaore sparked unrest in the nation after an attempt was made to extend his 27-year rule by a constitutional amendment.

The long time ruler has reportedly announced his resignation via a statement saying that the presidency is now vacant.

The statement reads:

"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."

News of his resignation was conveyed to excited protesters in the nation’s capital, Ouagadougou by Army Colonel Boureima Farta who said:

"As of today, Compaore is no longer in power."

Legislators in the country were due to vote on a tenure extension for Campaore on Thursday, October 30, but the session was interrupted by angry protesters who set the building ablaze.

The protesters then went on a violent rampage which led to the declaration of a state of emergency by the president and eventually a dissolution of the country’s National Assembly and the institution of a transitional government by the military.

Campaore took power in 1987 after a coup which led to the death of former leader, Thomas Sankara.