(OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso) -- Following violent protests over his attempt to extend his presidential term, Blaise Compaore, leader of Burkina Faso, stepped aside on Friday, dissolving his government and called for democratic elections and a return to tranquility.
Compaore had been pushing a bill that would have extended his term as president by five years. He has served in that position for 27 years.
On Thursday, protests turned violent, with the country's parliament set on fire.
Compaore said he would remain in his role during the transitional period.
The U.S. "calls for a transfer of power in accordance with the constitution," National Security Council spokesperson Bernadette Meehan said Friday. "We regret the loss of life stemming from the recent violence in Burkina Faso." She also noted that the U.S. is "concerned about reports that Military Chief Gen. Honore Traore has announce he is acting as head of state...we strongly condemn any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means."
The Washington Post notes that a hub of the U.S. spy network is based in Ouagadougou.
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