Burkina Faso`s embattled president steps down, ending 27-year rule

USPA News - Burkina Faso`s President Blaise Compaoré announced his resignation Friday after a violent uprising against his attempts to further extend his 27-year rule. The country`s army chief is expected to lead an interim government until elections are held.

Compaoré, in a signed statement released by the presidency, said he decided to resign because of the rapidly deteriorating situation in the country. Local media reported that the former leader had left the capital of Ouagadougou and was traveling towards the southern city of PÃ`, which is near the border with Ghana. "In light of the rapidly deteriorating socio-political situation, which is marked by the persistence of public disorder, looting of public and private property, the threat of division in the national army, and also to safeguard social peace in our country, I have decided to implement Article 43 of the Constitution," Compaoré said in the written statement. The leader added: "I declare a power vacuum to allow for the immediate establishment of a transition period to lead to free and fair elections within no more than 90 days. I call on all citizens to remain calm and on political actors to take their responsibility to stop the disorder, which will only delay our progress towards development." The announcement, which was read on national radio and television, was met by loud cheers from tens of thousands of protesters in Ouagadougou. The head of Burkina Faso`s armed forces, General Honoré Traoré, is expected to lead an interim government until elections can take place.