WASHINGTON, November 2 (RIA Novosti) — The United States condemned the seizure of power in Burkina Faso by Colonel Isaac Zida in the US Department of State's statement Saturday.
"The United States condemns the Burkinabe military's attempt to impose its will on the people of Burkina Faso. We call on the military to immediately transfer power to civilian authorities. We urge civilian leadership to be guided by the spirit of the constitution of Burkina Faso and to move immediately towards free and fair Presidential elections. We regret the loss of life this week in Burkina Faso and call on all parties to avoid further violence," Jen Psaki, the Department's spokesperson, said in the statement, published on the Department's website.
Earlier on Saturday the second in command of Burkina Faso's presidential guard, Colonel Isaac Zida, assumed power as the head of state, following violent protests over the country's President Blaise Compaore's attempt to extend his 27-year rule.
The protests began on Thursday, when lawmakers prepared to amend the constitution to allow the 63-year-old Compaore to contest in November 2015 elections. The protesters set the parliament building on fire. The protests have killed about 30 people and injured a hundred.
On Friday Compaore resigned and called for the presidential elections within 90 days.
