Protesters set fire to Burkina Faso's parliament building

Tens of thousands of protesters lit fires inside Burkina Faso's parliament building on Thursday as unrest continues to bubble up in the West African country. The protesters are demanding that Blaise Compaore, who has been Burkina Faso's president for 27 years, quit his job. At least three protesters were shot dead by security forces, Reuters reports, and Compaore has declared a state of emergency.
Compaore, who originally seized power in a coup, sparked protests when he announced plans to alter the country's constitution in order to seek a fifth term. After the protests grew, communications minster Alain Edouard Traore announced that the government had dropped the plan. But the protesters demanded that Compaore step down now, in addition to not seeking another term.
The U.S. and France, meanwhile, have called for peace on all sides and an end to the violence. --Meghan DeMaria
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Iframe Code
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
-
Toast to great drinks and gorgeous views at these 7 rooftop bars
The Week Recommends Elevate your typical night out
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Sudoku medium: February 24, 2025
The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Crossword: February 24, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published