Burkina Faso Government Collapses

The government of West African nation Burkina Faso collapsed on Thursday as protests over President Blaise Compaore’s plans to remain in office after 27 years took over the streets. Demonstrators set fire to the Parliament building and the homes of the president’s relatives. After hours of the protests, a government spokesman announced that the bill to extend Compaore’s term had been dropped (or delayed, at least). Compaore himself announced that the government had been dissolved and vowed to hold more talks with the opposition “to end the crisis.” A transitional authority is to lead the country to elections within a year. A curfew is also in effect from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly.