Blaise Compaore: refuses to quit

Tens of thousands of protesters on Friday demanded the “immediate” resignation of President Blaise Compaore, as the opposition urged followers to keep up the pressure after a day of unrest that saw parliament set ablaze.

“Blaise, get out!” chanted demonstrators gathered outside military headquarters in Burkina Faso’s capital.

Opposition chief Zephirin Diabre earlier urged supporters to “keep up the pressure by occupying public spaces.”

“A prerequisite for any discussion on any political transition is the unconditional departure of Mr. Blaise Compaore, pure and simple.”

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of the west African country on Thursday in protest at plans by the legislature to change the constitution, a move that would have allowed Compaore to extend his 27-year rule over the landlocked nation.

Although the plan has since been withdrawn, opposition is demanding that the leader step down.