US urges Burkinabe military to transfer power to civilian authorities

WASHINGTON (Xinhua) - The United States on Saturday called on the military of Burkina Faso to immediately transfer power to civilian authorities following its seizure of power in the West African country.

Burkina Faso's senior military officer Isaac Zida, who was in command of presidential guard, on Saturday announced he has seized power as head of state during the interim period in the wake of a political crisis in the country. He also announced the invalidation of a statement made Friday by the country's army chief Nabere Honore Traore stating he has assumed power as head of state on a transitional basis.

The US condemns the Burkinabe military's attempt to impose its will on the people of Burkina Faso," Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for the State Department, said in a statement.

"We urge civilian leadership to be guided by the spirit of the constitution of Burkina Faso and to move immediately towards free and fair Presidential elections," Psaki said.

The spokeswoman added the US regretted the loss of life this week in Burkina Faso and called on all parties to avoid further violence.

Burkina Faso's former President Blaise Compaore has fled to neighboring Cote d'Ivoire with his family, one day after violent protests forced him to step down after 27 years in power, the Cote d'Ivoire government said Saturday.

On Thursday, hundreds of thousands of people turned out in the streets of Burkina Faso's capital to prevent members of parliament from voting to amend the Constitution, a move that would have allowed 63-year-old Compaore to compete for another term of presidency.