Embattled Burkina Faso President Blaise Campaore has stepped down, an army spokesperson has said.
Mr Compaore issued a statement saying the presidency was now vacant and urging elections within 90 days.
Military chief Gen Honore Traore says he has taken over as head of state.
The army spokesperson according to the BBC, told the crowd gathered in front of the army headquarters on Friday that Mr Compaore had left office.
According to the Agence France-Presse (AFP), there were cheers and jubilation from the crowd after the announcement.
On Thursday, protesters angered by his bid to extend his 27-year rule torched parliament and government buildings.
They want him to resign immediately.
The creation of a transitional government was announced on Thursday by army chief General Honore Traore, who said it would “be put in place in consultation with all parties”.
He also declared the dissolution of parliament.
“A return to the constitutional order is expected in no more than 12 months,” he added, but gave no further details.
In a TV address later on Thursday, Mr Compaore refused to step down but said he would hand over power once the transitional government had completed its 12-month term.
He also said he was lifting a “state of siege” he had declared earlier.
He said he was withdrawing a controversial law which would enable him to seek another term in office when his current term ends in 2015, according to media reports.
But the opposition and the protesters rejected his proposition until the latest development.
African Eye News
