Burkina Faso’s president resigns

Compaore announced his resignation in a statement on Friday and called for a 90-day transition to “free and transparent” elections in the West African country, saying: “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,” said […]

Compaore announced his resignation in a statement on Friday and called for a 90-day transition to “free and transparent” elections in the West African country, saying: “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,” said the statement, read on local radio and television by presenters.
Crowds danced and cheered in the capital, Ougadougou, blowing whistles after Compaore’s statement was broadcast. The mood however cooled as it became clear that military chief General Honore Traore had taken over the reins of power, saying in a statement: “In line with constitutional measures, and given the power vacuum … I will assume as of today my responsibilities as head of state.”