Burkina Faso Coup: President Blaise Compaore Steps Down

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