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Burkina Faso: Military divided over who rules | Burkina Faso: Military divided over who rules |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A split has emerged within Burkina Faso's armed forces over who is leading the country following the resignation of President Blaise Compaore after 27 years in power. | |
The presidential guard's second in command, Colonel Isaac Zida, says he has assumed power as head of state. | The presidential guard's second in command, Colonel Isaac Zida, says he has assumed power as head of state. |
Earlier, army chief General Honore Traore said he had taken over. | Earlier, army chief General Honore Traore said he had taken over. |
Crowds danced and cheered in the capital Ouagadougou after Mr Compaore's resignation was announced on Friday. | Crowds danced and cheered in the capital Ouagadougou after Mr Compaore's resignation was announced on Friday. |
It came a day after protesters angry at his attempt to amend the constitution and extend his 27-year hold on the presidency set fire to parliament and government buildings. | It came a day after protesters angry at his attempt to amend the constitution and extend his 27-year hold on the presidency set fire to parliament and government buildings. |
Speaking on Saturday, Col Zida said Gen Traore's claim to be head of state was now "obsolete". | Speaking on Saturday, Col Zida said Gen Traore's claim to be head of state was now "obsolete". |
"I now assume... the responsibilities of head of the transition and of head of state to assure the continuation of the state" and a "smooth democratic transition", said Col Zida in a televised address quoted by AFP news agency. | "I now assume... the responsibilities of head of the transition and of head of state to assure the continuation of the state" and a "smooth democratic transition", said Col Zida in a televised address quoted by AFP news agency. |
And Reuters quoted Col Zida, in a statement read out on local radio, as saying: "I assume the functions of head of state and I call on (West African regional bloc) Ecowas and the international community to demonstrate their understanding and support the new authorities." | |
Friday saw Mr Compaore issue a statement saying the presidency was now vacant, and urging elections within 90 days. | |
His whereabouts are now unclear. | His whereabouts are now unclear. |
Under Article 43 of the constitution, the president of the senate should take over after the president resigns, and elections should take place between 60 and 90 days afterwards. | Under Article 43 of the constitution, the president of the senate should take over after the president resigns, and elections should take place between 60 and 90 days afterwards. |
However, the military announced a state of emergency and the dissolution of both houses of parliament on Thursday - effectively leaving a power vacuum. | However, the military announced a state of emergency and the dissolution of both houses of parliament on Thursday - effectively leaving a power vacuum. |
Are you in Burkina Faso? Send us your eyewitness accounts and views by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk | Are you in Burkina Faso? Send us your eyewitness accounts and views by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (international). Or you can upload here. | Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (international). Or you can upload here. |
Read the terms and conditions. | Read the terms and conditions. |