Burkina Faso ‘Black Spring’ protests: parliament set ablaze

The parliament building in the capital of Burkina Faso was set on fire today as protesters began to march on the presidential palace.

“October 30 is Burkina Faso’s Black Spring, like the Arab Spring,” opposition protestor Emile Pargui Pare told the AFP news agency.

The President has now declared a state of emergency and called on the opposition to end its protests. The opposition has held talks with a retired general about setting up a transitional government.

Raw footage of ‘Black Spring’ protesters facing government water cannons today:

Opposition leader Zephirin Diabre rejected the state of emergency order.

“The state of emergency is unacceptable. We are calling on the people to show that they are against it. The resignation of President Blaise Compaore is the only thing that can bring peace to the country,” he said.

The anti-government protesters took over the state TV station in Ouagadougou, the capital of the country.

Protesters marched yesterday as opposition parties announced a civil disobedience campaign in response to President Compaore seeking to change the constitution to enable him to seek re-election.

MPs have suspended the vote in the wake of the deaths of five protesters.

Protesters took over the parliament building. The main airport is shut.

A solider ran from protesters today as they took over the capital.

The city hall and the headquarters of the ruling party were also set ablaze. A YouTube video captured a statue of the president being toppled.

The people of Burkina Faso have literally burned their government to the ground. Incredible. City hall, parliament, among others, in smoke.

— drew hinshaw (@drewfhinshaw) October 30, 2014