Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore says he will stay in power for a year under a transitional government, following a day of violent protests demanding his resignation.

He said he was withdrawing a controversial law which would enable him to seek another term in office when his current term ends in 2015.

On Thursday, protesters angered by his bid to extend his 27-year rule torched parliament and government buildings.

They want him to resign immediately.

The creation of a transitional government was announced on Thursday by army chief General Honore Traore, who said it would "be put in place in consultation with all parties".

He also declared the dissolution of parliament.

"A return to the constitutional order is expected in no more than 12 months," he added, but gave no further details.

In a TV address later on Thursday, Mr Compaore refused to step down but said he would hand over power once the transitional government had completed its 12-month term.

He also said he was lifting a "state of siege" he had declared earlier.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon's special envoy for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, will fly to Burkina Faso on Friday to try to ease the crisis, the UN said.

(BBC)