Burkina Faso president dissolves government, declares state of emergency

Cars and documents burn outside parliament in Ouagadougou on October 30, 2014 AFP Photo

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Mass protests against his rule are continuing in the capital, Ouagadougou

Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore has imposed a state of emergency to end violent protests against his 27-year rule.

The government has also been dissolved, a statement signed by Mr Compaore said.

Mass protests against his rule are continuing in the capital, Ouagadougou.

Angry demonstrators in Burkina Faso had earlier gone on the rampage in protest at plans to allow President Blaise Compaore to extend his 27-year rule, setting parliament on fire and wreaking havoc across the capital.

Crowds of people broke through a heavy security cordon and stormed the National Assembly building in Ouagadougou, ransacking offices and setting fire to cars

Amid the surging violence, the government announced it was calling off the vote but it was not immediately clear if this was only a temporary move