Burkina Faso’s military yesterday backed a presidential guard officer to lead a transitional government after the resignation of President Blaise Compaore, resolving a power struggle within the armed forces by sidelining the chief of staff.

Senior military officials had held talks yesterday aimed at averting bloodshed after Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Zida declared himself head of state in an early morning radio address, overruling military chief General Honore Traore’s claim to lead the transitional government.

One of Africa’s long-serving rulers, Compaore stepped down on Friday after two days of mass protests against his attempts to change the constitution to extend his 27 years in power. At least three people were killed after protesters stormed the parliament building and set it on fire.

The unfolding crisis in the poor, landlocked nation is being closely watched by the US and former colonial power France, which were close military allies of Compaore. Under his rule, Burkina Faso became a key ally in Western operations against al-Qaeda-linked groups in West Africa, but a coup d’etat would freeze US military cooperation.

“Lieutenant Colonel Yacouba Isaac Zida has been elected unanimously to lead the transition period opened after the departure of President Blaise Compaore,” read a statement issued by the military hierarchy after the talks.

The form and duration of the transition will be decided in talks with all sections of society, the statement said.