Burkina Faso has undergone tremendous unrest. President Blaise Compaore resigned because of the tensions in the country. The West African nation is now ruled by its military chief. General Honore Nabere Traore, the head of Burkina Faso military said that he took over presidential duties on Friday. He said he would be the one to lead Burkina Faso through its political transition and its election. Burkina Faso witnessed violent protests. The protesters demanded Compaore to end his 27 year rule over Burkina Faso. Blaise Compaore was forced to resign. Before his resignation, Compaore dissolved the government and said he would remain in power until the following elections. On Friday he announced his resignation, in order to preserve peace in Burkina Faso.
General Honore Nabere Traore, the head of military tried to calm the population. He called for a return to the initial constitutional process. Traore added that in order to make sure that order and security were maintained in Burkina Faso, the military and security forces will take over, until the elections. Soon before announcing his resignation, Blaise Compaore wrote on Twitter the following message: “free elections to be held in Burkina Faso within 90 days at the most”. The former president’s resignation was welcomed by France, the former colonial ruler of Burkina Faso. France encouraged Burkina Faso leaders to make sure the elections would take place as soon as possible.
In the last few days, Burkina Faso became witness to protests. Western countries counted on Burkina Faso for their fight against the Islamic State militants. Protesters surrounded the parliament and set buildings on fire. The population is displeased with Blaise Compaore and his long lasting reign, since 1987. After the crisis broke loose, the opposition demanded that Compaore resigned immediately. On the day that lawmakers were supposed to vote a motion which might have allowed Compaore to extend his presidency, a group of protesters barged into the parliament building. Because of all these incidents, flights to and from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso’s capital were cancelled.