Burkina Faso President Resigns

Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore has stepped down from the presidency, a presidential statement confirmed Friday.



Military spokesman Isaac Zida also confirmed the news to protesters that packed the Place de la Nation, the largest public square in capital Ouagadougou, drawing cheers from demonstrators.



Compaore's resignation came one day after tens of thousands of Burkinabes took to the streets of Ouagadougou to demand his departure against the backdrop of a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed him to seek a third five-year term as president.



The country's current national charter limits the number of presidential terms to two.



Protesters set fire to the parliament building and the homes of several senior officials in Ouagadougou, according to an Anadolu Agency correspondent.



They also stormed the headquarters of the state television building before marching on the presidential palace. 



At least 30 deaths have been reported in clashes between security forces and protesters.



Before Compaore stepped down, the government had withdrawn the controversial amendment proposal, but the move failed to appease protesters who went on a looting spree across the capital.



For several weeks, the 63-year-old leader's bid to remain in power – after 27 years at the helm – has drawn angry reactions from the opposition, civil society and many young people.



More than 60 percent of Burkina Faso's roughly 17 million-strong population is under 25 years old and has never known a president other than Compaore.



By Boukary Ouadraogo



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