Burkina Faso's long-time leader President Blaise Compaore refused to resign, despite violent protests to his nearly three-decade rule. He said he will lead a transitional government after the military dissolved the country's parliament.

Protesters stormed the parliament building in Ouagadougou, set part of it ablaze and ransacked state television offices in a day of violence around the country to stop a parliamentary vote that would have allowed Compaore to seek a fifth term in office.

burkina faso
Anti-government protesters take over the state TV station in Ouagadougou Reuters
burkina faso
Anti-government protesters take over the parliament building in Ouagadougou Reuters
burkina faso
An anti-government protester throws a microphone used for parliament sessions inside the parliament building Reuters
burkina faso
Anti-government protesters carry looted items out of the parliament building in Ouagadougou Reuters
burkina faso
Protesters stand outside the parliament in Ouagadougou as cars and documents burn outside AFP
burkina faso
Anti-government protesters throw rocks at police in Ouagadougou Reuters
burkina faso
A man carries a gun taken from the parliament building in Ouagadougou Reuters

At least three protesters were shot dead and scores wounded when security forces opened fire on the crowd.

A curfew was put in place from 7pm to 6am.

burkina faso
Burkina Faso troops fire live rounds to disperse protesters outside the parliament in Ouagadougou AFP
burkina faso
People assist an anti-government protester who was shot in Ouagadougou Reuters
burkina faso
An anti-government protester throws a tear gas canister back at riot police in Ouagadougou Reuters
burkina faso
A protester rinses his face after police fired tear gas outside the parliament in Ouagadougou AFP

In a concession to the protesters, the government withdrew the bill from consideration. But the move did not placate the protesters, and Army chief General Honore Traore said a new government would be installed after consultation with all political parties and would lead the country to an election within 12 months.

It was unclear if the opposition would agree to join a unity government, and the unrest underscored the threat Compaore now faces as frustrations mount in one of the world's poorest countries.

In a sign of the growing unrest, crowds also attacked the homes of government ministers and a hotel where members of parliament were said to be staying.

burkina faso
An anti-government protester stands in front of a pool at a hotel in Ouagadougou where members of Burkina Faso's government were said to be staying Reuters
burkina faso
People transport a mattress on a motorbike in Ouagadougou Reuters
burkina faso
A man watches cars burn at a hotel where members of the parliament were said to be staying Reuters
burkina faso
People look at a looted building that reportedly belongs to the younger brother of Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore Reuters
burkina faso
People load goods looted from a building, which according to locals, belongs to Francois Compaore, the younger brother of Burkina Faso's president Reuters

Burkina Faso has long been known for its relative stability in volatile West Africa, although tensions have been mounting over Compaore's plans to extend his rule.

He first came to power following the October 1987 coup against then-President Thomas Sankara, Compaore's long-time friend and political ally who ultimately was killed in the power grab.

He has been elected four times since, although the opposition has disputed the results.

Burkina Faso Blaise
President of Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, is pictured in New York in September 2013 Reuters

Compaore, 63, has refashioned himself as an elder statesman who brokered electoral disputes and hostage releases throughout the region.

He made no secret of his support for Charles Taylor, the Liberian warlord turned president now serving a 50-year sentence for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone.

Related