White House weighs in on situation in Burkina Faso

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The White House responded Thursday to "the deteriorating situation in Burkina Faso," after protests erupted over efforts to extend the president's 27-year rule.

Protesters on Thursday stormed the Parliament in Ouagadougou, setting it on fire along with the city hall and headquarters of the ruling political party. They were reacting to a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would allow President Blaise Compaore to run for office again. Compaore seized power in 1987 and has since won four disputed elections.

The White House National Security Council weighed in on the situation, calling for a "return to a peaceful process... that will build on Burkina Faso's hard-won democratic gains."

"The United States is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Burkina Faso resulting from efforts to amend the constitution to enable the incumbent head of state to seek another term after 27 years in office.

"We believe democratic institutions are strengthened when established rules are adhered to with consistency.

"We call on all parties, including the security forces, to end the violence and return to a peaceful process to create a future for Burkina Faso that will build on Burkina Faso's hard-won democratic gains."