Burkina Faso's longtime president Blaise Compaore resigned on Friday amid mass protests against his efforts to change the constitution to extend his 27-year rule, leaving the two military factions vying for control of the West African country.
The chief of a regiment of Burkina Faso's elite presidential guard has declared himself the new head of state in an apparent putsch against another military man, just hours after the president resigned and fled the country.
Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Zida said on Saturday he was taking over as head of state, in conflict with military chief of staff General Honore Traore, who had earlier said he would lead a transition."I assume from today the responsibilities of head of this transition and of head of state," he said.
The whereabouts of General Traore was not immediately clear.
He had not appeared publicly since he announced that he would take over the presidency at a news conference shortly after Mr Compaore's resignation.
On Friday, Mr Compaore announced his resignation and called for a 90-day transition to "free and transparent" elections.
"I declare a vacancy of power with a view to allowing a transition that should finish with free and transparent elections in a maximum period of 90 days," he said in a statement which was read on local radio and television by presenters.
Shortly after, General Traore announced that "in line with constitutional measures, and given the power vacuum... I will assume as of today my responsibilities as head of state".
A heavily armed convoy believed to be carrying Mr Compaore was seen travelling on Friday towards the southern town of Po, near the border with Ghana, two diplomatic sources and local media said.
Lieutenant-Colonel Zida told journalists on Saturday the deposed president and his chief of staff "are in a safe place and their safety and well-being are assured".
Mr Compaore's resignation came after tens of thousands of angry protesters packed the streets of Ouagadougou demanding his departure, storming parliament, setting it on fire and ransacking state television.
At least three protesters were shot dead and scores wounded when security forces opened fire on the crowd.
The crowd headed towards the presidential palace as a government helicopter flew overhead, shooting tear gas at protesters.
Security forces protecting the house of Mr Compaore's brother opened fire as demonstrators tried to attack the building.
The protests were sparked by the government's attempt to push a constitutional change through parliament to allow the 63-year-old president to seek re-election next year.
Members of parliament had been due to vote on a government plan to change the constitution to remove a two-term presidential term limit.
A nation divided
The president's attempt to remain in power had deeply divided Burkina Faso, one of the world's poorest nations but a key player in West Africa that had positioned itself as a mediator in regional crises.Mr Compaore had ruled the cotton and gold-producing nation with a firm grip but, in recent years, has faced increasing criticism, including from within his own camp and the military.
Opposition to the president's plan had been mounting in recent days.
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Ouagadougou and other towns across the country earlier this week in what the opposition said was the start of a campaign of civil disobedience.
The United States has urged Burkina Faso to ensure any political transition would take place in accordance with the constitution.
France has called on Mr Compaore to adhere to African Union rules preventing constitutional changes that allow leaders to stay in power.
Reuters
About Burkina Faso
Known in colonial times as Upper Volta, Burkina Faso is a landlocked state in West Africa's arid Sahel region about half as big as France, its former colonial ruler.
Its capital is Ouagadougou. Neighbouring states include Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo and Ghana.
The 27-year rule of president Blaise Compaore (pictured) began when he came to power in a 1987 coup. The nation began holding elections as a parliamentary republic in 1991, with Mr Compaore remaining in power ever since.
His resignation in 2014 was sparked when he sought constitutional change to allow him to stay in power for a third term.
One of the world's poorest nations, its economy is agricultural with a per-capita gross domestic product of just $US670 in 2013.
Main exports are gold and cotton, along with sorghum, maize and rice. Nearly half of its 16.9 million people live on less than $1 a day.
(Source: AFP)
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