Riots in Burkina Faso

Violent protests in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, on Oct. 30 resulted in protesters capturing and setting ablaze the parliament building, the city hall and the ruling party’s headquarters. Witnesses reported that homes of members of parliament also were set on fire as protesters moved toward the presidential palace. At least three protesters were killed when the military fired on crowds. 

The protesters rallied against a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed President Blaise Compaore, who had held the position for 27 years, to run for another term. Compaore had won four consecutive elections, all of them disputed by the opposition, after gaining power in a 1987 coup. Some members of the military, including the former defense minister, were reported to have joined with the protesters. 

From an undisclosed location, the president resigned on Oct. 30 and called for elections of a new government to be held in 30 days. 

On Nov. 1, Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida took over the leadership of Burkina Faso with the support of the military. A military spokesperson said that civilian rule would be reestablished as soon as possible.