Violent clashes broke out in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou after a second day of protests denouncing the president’s plan to seek re-election.<br /><br />The political crisis spilled out onto the streets in a campaign of civil disobedience called by the opposition.<br /><br />Blaise Compaore, who came to power in a coup in 1987 and has won four presidental elections since then, aims to amend the constitution so that he can run for office for another three terms.<br /><br />The country’s parliament is due to vote on Thursday on whether to hold a referendum allowing the change.<br /><br />Burkina Faso is a key ally of the US in West Africa in the fight against al-Qaeda-linked fighters operating in the region. Washington said it was “concerned by the spirit and intent behind” the amendment.
