President Refuses To Step Down After 27 Years

The President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore has refused to step down from office despite the dissolution of the country’s National Assembly and the establishment of a new transitional governing body by the nation’s army in what is said to be a “coup.”

Protests have rocked the West African country due to plans by Compaore to extend his 27-year rule leading to the burning of the country’s parliament and a military intervention.

Burkina Faso’s National Assembly building was set ablaze on Thursday, October 30, when it was discovered that legislators were due to vote on a term extension for the president which would enable him to be re-elected two more times despite being in office since 1987.

Protesters occupied the streets of the capital, Ouagadougou and destroyed government buildings while also invading the national television headquarters.

Compaore reacted to the violence by declaring a state of emergency which was rejected by opposition leader, Zephirin Diabre who said:

"The state of emergency is unacceptable. We are calling on the people to show that they are against it,” “The resignation of President Blaise Compaore is the only thing that can bring peace to the country.”

Another prominent member of the opposition, Benewende Sankara while describing the army’s move as a coup, said:

“Compaore is again in the process of duping the people,” “We have been saying for a long time that he must hand in his resignation. His departure is non-negotiable.”

President Compaore however said that he would not step down but would instead remain in power as the head of a transitional government until presidential elections could be conducted.

He said in a statement broadcast:

“I have heard the message, understood it and taken note of strong desire for change.”

“I am available to open talks on a transitional period at the end of which I will hand over power to the democratically elected president.”

Compaore took power in 1987 in a coup which led to the assassination of his friend and former leader, Thomas Sankara.