Burkina Faso’s President Blaise Compaore’s desire to extend his 27-year-rule ended with parliament building demolishing and arson.

It was reported that besides parliament, the city hall and ruling party headquarters are also in flames, while the main airport has been temporarily closed. A huge crowd of angry protesters is heading towards the presidential palace.

Unrest has been caused by Mr Compaore desire to change the constitution to stand for re-election next year. It has been gathered that the military fired live bullets as protesters stormed parliament. Presently there’s only information about five people have been killed in the protests.

Witnesses say dozens of soldiers have joined the protests, including a former defence minister, Gen Kouame Lougue. The main opposition leader, Zephirin Diabre, has called on the military to side with “the people” and has demanded the resignation of the president.

Mr Compaore’s whereabouts are unknown, but he has appealed for calm via Twitter. He first took power in a coup in 1987, and has won four disputed elections since then.

BBC