Burkina army chief assumes power after president ousted

People celebrate in the capital Ouagadougou after Burkina Faso’s embattled President Blaise Compaore (right)announced earlier on October 31, 2014, he was stepping down to make way for elections following a violent uprising against his 27-year rule. Blaise took power in a coup in 1987 but quickly swapped the “democratic revolution’s” Marxist ideals for authoritarian rule. AFP PHOTO

Burkina Faso’s army chief Navere Honore Traore said he was taking power on Friday as head of state after President Blaise Compaore announced his resignation.

 “In line with constitutional measures, and given the power vacuum … I will assume as of today my responsibilities as head of state,” said Traore in a statement.

France’s Hollande welcomes Burkina Faso leader’s resignation

France’s President Francois Hollande on Friday welcomed the resignation of his Burkina Faso counterpart and called for calm and restraint amid unrest in the former French colony.

“France welcomes the resignation of the president of Burkina Faso which allows for a way out of the crisis,” Hollande’s office said in a statement.

Hollande expressed his “solidarity” with the victims of the recent unrest wracking

Burkina Faso and called for “calm and restraint from everyone involved.”

“France recalls its attachment to the Constitution and therefore to the quick holding of democratic elections,” added Hollande.

Burkina Faso’s embattled President Blaise Compaore announced earlier Friday he was stepping down to make way for elections following a violent uprising against his 27-year rule.

Hollande had said earlier he was “sure” Compaore would take the “right decision” to bring calm to the country.

Known in colonial times as Upper Volta, the landlocked country became independent from France in 1960 and its name was changed to Burkina Faso (“the land of upright men”) in 1984.

EU says Burkina Faso people must decide own future

The EU called Friday for the people of Burkina Faso to have the final say in who governs the west African country, as President Blaise Compaore stepped down after mass protests.

The 28-nation bloc said it was ready to help with elections, which Compaore said in his resignation statement should be held within 90 days.

“The European Union believes that it is up to the people of Burkina Faso to decide their own future. Any solution must be the result of a broad consensus and respect the constitution,” a spokesman for the bloc’s diplomatic service said in a statement.

The EU was “working with all actors on the ground to find a solution” and consulting with international partners over the crisis, triggered by an uprising after Compaore tried to extend his 27 years in power.

“We are ready to work with the people of Burkina Faso to ensure a return to normality, including the organization of elections,” it said.