Burkinabe colonel declares himself 'head of state'
Iran Press TV
Sat Nov 1, 2014 3:47PM GMT
A colonel in Burkina Faso's military says he will assume power as head of state amid the chaos in the country and shortly after another military official made a similar announcement.
Lieutenant Colonel Issac Yacouba Zida announced on Saturday that he would take over as president and will lead the country during the transition period after the resignation of longtime President Blaise Compaore.
"I will assume the duties of head of this transition and head of state to guarantee the continuity of the state," Zida said in a statement, urging the international community to recognize his authority.
The announcement comes shortly after army chief, General Honore Traore, made a similar declaration.
"In line with constitutional measures, and given the power vacuum.... I will assume as of today my responsibilities as head of state," Traore said.
Compaore stepped down on Friday after two days of mass demonstrations against his attempts to change the constitution to extend his rule for a fifth term. The former president has reportedly fled to neighboring Ivory Coast with some of his family members.
Protesters demanding Compaore's resignation set fire to parliament and other government buildings in the capital city of Ouagadougou during their demonstrations. According to reports, at least three people were killed in the unrest.
Compaore first took power in a coup in 1987, and emerged victorious in four elections since then.
MOS/HJL/SS
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