EU says Burkina Faso people must decide own future

(BRUSSELS) - The EU called Friday for the people of Burkina Faso to have the final say in who governs the west African country, as President Blaise Compaore stepped down after mass protests.

The 28-nation bloc said it was ready to help with elections, which Compaore said in his resignation statement should be held within 90 days.

"The European Union believes that it is up to the people of Burkina Faso to decide their own future. Any solution must be the result of a broad consensus and respect the constitution," a spokesman for the bloc's diplomatic service said in a statement.

The EU was "working with all actors on the ground to find a solution" and consulting with international partners over the crisis, triggered by an uprising after Compaore tried to extend his 27 years in power.

"We are ready to work with the people of Burkina Faso to ensure a return to normality, including the organisation of elections," it said.