Ouagadougou, Nov 1 (IANS): Burkina Faso's senior military officer Isaac Zida, who was in command of the presidential guard, Saturday announced via a televised speech that he has seized power as head of state during the interim period.
"I now assume... the responsibilities of head of the transition and of head of state to assure the continuation of the state" and a "smooth democratic transition", Xinhua cited Colonel Zida as saying.
The claim came after the country's army chief Nabere Honore Traore made a similar declaration Friday, saying that he has assumed power as head of state on a transitional basis, but it was later rejected by demonstrators.
Burkina Faso's former president Blaise Compaore announced his resignation Friday after two days of mass protests against his attempts to change the constitution to extend his 27-year rule.