Photo gallery: Anti-government protesters set Burkina Faso Parliament ablaze!

Anti-government protesters in Burkina Faso today set their National parliament ablaze adhering to a decision by members of parliament to examine the country’s constitution to permit President Blaise Compaore extend his 27-year rule. The parliament members were set to ovote on an alteration of the constitution which may permit the sitting president, Blaise Compaore – who took power in a coup in 1987 – to mean re-election again next season, when he was due to stand down.

The angry protesters who didn’t concur with the proposed constitution review stormed the National Assembly building in the capital Ouagadougou, ransacking offices and setting fire to cars, before attacking the national television headquarters. One or more person died in the mayhem.

Among the protesters said;

“We did this because Blaise was trying to stay too long. We are tired of him. We want a change. He must go!”

The violence forced the government to temporarily scrap a vote on the constitutional amendments. Relative calm has since returned to the capital city. See pics from the mayhem below…