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Gen
Honore Traore: "I will assume the responsibility of head of
state"/BBC
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Burkina
Faso's President Blaise Compaore has announced his resignation following
violent protests over his attempt to extend his 27-year rule. Mr
Compaore issued a statement saying the presidency was now vacant and urging
elections within 90 days.
Army
chief Gen Honore Traore said he had taken over, but it was not clear if he had
the backing of all the military.
Crowds
danced and cheered in the capital, Ouagadougou, after Mr Compaore's resignation
was broadcast.
On
Thursday, protesters angry at his attempt to amend the constitution set fire to
parliament and government buildings.
There
was a euphoric atmosphere in the Place de la Nation as the thousands of
protesters heard that Blaise Compaore was no longer their president.
But
the crowds have no intention of going home, as they are unhappy that Gen Honore
Traore has been appointed as transitional head.
He
is seen as too close to the ousted president - he was Blaise Compaore's aide de
camp - and for these demonstrators that is not enough of a rupture with the
past.
"This
is not a coup - this is a popular uprising," one man in the crowd said.
Source: http://www.bbc.com
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