Burkina Faso President seeks to stay in power until new leader is elected

The President of Burkina Faso pledged to stay in power until a new leader is democratically elected, despite violent protests demanding an end to his 27-year rule in the West African country.

 President Blaise Compaore said Thursday he had dissolved the government and will lead a transitional administration.

 "On my part, I'll remain available and open to dialogue during the transition period, at the end of which, I'll relay power to the next democratically elected President," he said. His words could further inflame tensions in the landlocked nation.