WWW.JULIUSJOSEPH.blogspot.com

Demonstrators breached the security around parliament and set it on fire Protesters angry at plans to allow Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore to extend his 27-year-rule have set fire to parliament. The BBC's Laeila Adjovi in the capital, Ouagadougou, say the city hall and ruling party headquarters are also in flames. Earlier, the military reportedly fired at protesters who stormed parliament. Tear gas was also fired from a helicopter, as a crowd surged towards the presidency, reports say. Parliament was due to consider changing the constitution so that Mr Compaore, 63, could run for office again in elections next year. A government minister could not confirm reports that the constitutional amendment has been withdrawn, Reuters news agency reports. Mr Compaore first took power in a coup in 1987, and has won four disputed elections since then. The opposition has called for a campaign of civil disobedience to demand that he steps down.

Add caption Raised spatulas are a symbol defiance Tens of thousands of people have protested in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou, against moves to extend the president's 27-year rule. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters who hurled stones and burnt tyres, news agencies report. Schools, universities and shops are shut for the week of planned protests. It is one of the biggest protests demanding that President Blaise Compaore step down when elections take place next year. 'Get out' On Thursday, Burkina Faso's parliament will consider a constitutional amendment that will allow him to run for another five years. Add caption Protesters compared the president to the deadly virus that has hit other West African states The security forces have played a key role in helping Mr Compoare to stay in power Mr Compaore took power in a coup in 1987, and has won four elections since then. The oppo