State of emergency in Burkina Faso

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.

One person has been killed in the protests, and not five as earlier reported, says BBC Afrique's Yacouba Ouedraogo in the capital.

The military fired live bullets as protesters stormed parliament, our correspondent says.

Witnesses say dozens of soldiers have joined the protests, including a former defence minister, Gen Kouame Lougue.

Protesters are demanding his installation as president, our reporter says.

Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

John Okosun is a Nigerian writer and blogger who started this platform to enable him reach billions of internet users with his daily updated contents ranging from various categories. Contents posted by him are controversial thus creating an interactive room for readers enabling them to get their voice heard.