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Blaise Compaore

OUAGADOUGOU. — Anti-government protesters in Burkina Faso have set parliament ablaze in a surge of violence that forced the government to at least temporarily scrap a vote on constitutional amendments that would allow President Blaise Compaore to extend his 27-year rule and seek re-election in 2015.

At least one person was killed in yesterday’s violence, according to news agencies.

Hundreds of people broke through a heavy security cordon and stormed the National Assembly building in the capital Ouagadougou, ransacking offices and setting fire to cars, before attacking the national television headquarters.

Police had tried to control the crowds using tear gas, but the demonstrators were able to push through the barricades and make their way into parliament.

“It is over for the regime!” and “We do not want him again!” protesters shouted when they heard that the vote on term limits had been stopped.

Flames enveloped the main building in the parliament complex, and many politicians fled to a nearby hotel.

The crowd then headed towards the presidential palace as a government helicopter flew overhead, shooting tear gas at protesters.

Security forces fired live rounds and tear gas at protesters near the presidency in the Ouaga 2000 neighbourhood, Reuters reported.

“It is difficult to say what happens next, but things are out of control because the demonstrators do not listen to anyone,” Ablasse Ouedraogo, an opposition politician said.

Politicians had been due to vote yesterday on a government plan to change the constitution to allow Compaore – who seized power in a coup in 1987 – to stand for re-election again next year, when he was due to stand down.

The government, facing its worst crisis since a wave of mutinies shook the country in 2011, later announced it was calling off the vote but it was not immediately clear if this was a temporary move.

State television was ransacked and forced off the air.

The ruling party headquarters in Burkina Faso’s second city of Bobo Dioulasso and city hall was also torched by protesters, witnesses told the AFP news agency.

“The president must deal with the consequences,” said Benewende Sankara, one of the leaders of the opposition which had called for the people to march on parliament over the Compaore law.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported that President 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 Compaore said.

Mass protests against his rule are continuing in the capital, Ouagadougou.

At least one person has been killed in the protests, says BBC Afrique’s Yacouba Ouedraogo in the capital.

The military fired live bullets as protesters stormed parliament, BBC correspondent said.

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

Protesters are demanding his installation as president. — Al Jazeera/BBC/Agencies