Protesters Burn Parliament To Prevent Extension Of President’s 27-Year Rule

Burkina Faso's parliament was on Thursday, October 29, set on fire after protesters stormed the building to prevent a proposed tenure extension for President Blaise Compaore.

Legislators in the country were due to vote on a constitutional amendment which would allow Compaore seek re-election again next year.

The seating was however disrupted by thousands of demonstrators who lit fires inside the building before looting computers and televisions screens, Reuters reports.

One protester, Seydou Kabre said:

"We did this because Blaise was trying to stay too long. We are tired of him,We want a change. He must go!”

The angry crowd is said to have set buildings on fire and smashed cars outside the Parliament despite being shot at with teargas.

Compaore took office in 1987 after a coup and his attempts to stay in office have split the country in two.