2 Soldiers Claim Presidency, Ex-President Flees To Ivory Coast

A power tussle has begun in Burkina Faso after the resignation of President Blaise Compaore on Friday, October 31.

Two officers of the nation’s army have so far claimed the presidency causing confusion as to who exactly is in control.

Joint Chief Of Staff, Gen. Honore Traore made the first announcement declaring the dissolution of the country’s parliament and crowning himself president until elections could be conducted.

Later in the day however, another officer, Col. Yacouba Zida laid claim to the presidency saying:

"While we wait to define in a consensual manner, with all of the political parties and civil society organizations, the contours and composition of this peaceful democratic transition, I will henceforth assume, from today, the responsibilities of the head of this transition and the head of state."

Meanwhile reports have it that Compaore has left Burkina Faso and is now in neighbouring Ivory Coast.

Sources told Reuters that the ex-president has taken refuge in a beach resort to the east of the economic capital Abidjan.

"He's been in Assinie since this morning,"  "He is not alone. Some members of his family are with him." the source said

Compaore was forced to vacate the office he had occupied for 27 years after violent protests rocked the nation leading to the burning of the parliament building and the destruction of government property.