Burkina Faso’s President Blaise Compaore has imposed a state of emergency to end violent protests against his 27-year rule. The Government has also been dissolved, a statement signed by Mr Compaore said.
Mass protests against his rule are continuing in the capital, Ouagadougou. Angry crowds had earlier set fire to parliament and other government buildings, forcing MPs to abandon a vote aimed at allowing Mr Compaore to seek re-election in 2015.
Protesters have converged on the main square in Ouagadougou, demanding Mr Compaore’s immediate resignation. As per sources, one person has been killed in the protests, and not five as earlier reported. The military fired live bullets as protesters stormed parliament, according to reports.