News: Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore announces his resignation

Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore has announced his resignation, following violent protests at his attempt to extend his 27-year rule.

Mr Compaore issued a statement saying the presidency was now vacant and urging elections within 90 days.

An army spokesman also broke the news to cheering demonstrators in the capital, Ouagadougou.

On Thursday, protesters angry at Mr Compaore's attempt to amend the constitution set fire to parliament.

Following the protests, Mr Compaore said he had agreed not to seek another term, but that he would remain in power until a transitional government had completed its work in 2015.

However, the opposition continued to demand that he resign. Its leader, Zephirin Diabre, urged protesters to occupy public spaces.

There were cheers when the army spokesman told the crowd gathered in front of army headquarters on Friday that Mr Compaore had left office, AFP news agency reports.

Mr Compaore's statement, read on television, said there was now a "power vacuum" and called for "free and transparent" elections within 90 days.

His whereabouts now remain unclear.

Late on Thursday, army chief Gen Honore Traore had announced the creation of the transitional government, declared the dissolution of parliament and imposed a night curfew.

Here's the full text of President Compaore's resignation statement:

"People of Burkina Faso, in view of the strongly weakened social-political situation that has been characterised by a persistent breakdown in public order; looting of public and private property; the threat of a split in the national army; and for the need to preserve the democratic gains, as well as social peace in our country, I have decided to invoke Article 43 of the constitution. I have declared a power vacuum to allow for the immediate establishment of a transitional [authority] that will result in free elections within 90 days at most.

"I appeal to the entire citizenry to remain calm, I urge political actors and the civil society to assume their responsibilities and stop the unrest that will only delay our march to development. For my part, I believe I have accomplished my task, and my only concern now is the greater good of the nation.

God bless Burkina Faso

(Signed) Blaise Compaore, President of Faso."