Two military leaders claim power in Burkina Faso

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Two military leaders are vying for power in Burkina Faso after President Blaise Compaore resigned Friday amid violent unrest.

Thousands of residents took to the streets demanding Compaore's resignation from a post he held for 27 years. The protesters were reacting to a proposed constitutional amendment that would have extended the presidential term limit allowing Compaore to run for office again.

In less than 24 hours after his resignation, two military leaders have come forward to assume power of the West African nation.

The first to come forward was Gen. Honore Traore, who said he would take control until elections took place. Later, Col. Isaac Zida asked the international community to recognize him as head of state in a televised statement.

Zida said he took control "to prevent a state of anarchy that would be detrimental to the goal of democratic change."

"I will assume the duties of head of this transition and head of state to guarantee the continuity of the state," he added.