Anti-government protesters set fire to the parliament building in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, October 30, 2014. (Photo: Reuters)

Army chief General Honore Traore said in a statement read out at a press conference in the capital Ouagadougou that the temporary governing body will hold power for up to 12 months until a new government is elected. A curfew was declared from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

The army’s announcement came shortly after President Blaise Compaore declared a state of emergency after thousands of protesters stormed and burned the parliament building to protest a constitutional amendment extending the President’s term. Hundreds of people looted property and destroyed vehicles at the headquarters of the national television station. They tried to storm the residence of Compaore's brother but failed.