Thousands of civilians gathered in the streets of Burkina Faso's capital in Ouagadougou on Tuesday to protest President Blaise Compaore's plans to extend his term and seek re-election.

The demonstration on Tuesday morning signals the start of public resistance on the issue after Compaore called on the National Assembly to arrange a referendum to amend the constitution on extending the president's term limit, thereby allowing him to stay in power.

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The main purpose of this civil disobedience campaign is to get the government to withdraw from this legal project, opposition head Zephirin Diabre told protesters.

Protesters touted signs that called for the president to step down and clamored for Article 37 to remain untouched, referring to a provision in the constitution that prevents Compaore, who has retained the post for 27 years, to bid for a re-election next year.

Later, the government issued a statement commending the protest leaders for staging a demonstration that was mostly peaceful. It noted however, that clashes with the police had erupted in some parts of the city due to the misconduct of several protesters who strayed from intended routes.

The government urged protesters to practice restraint to preserve the stability and peace in the country.

Police forces stationed in front of the National Assembly fired water cannons and lobbed tear gas at the protesters marching toward the compound. Opposition groups had responded by throwing rocks and burning tires.

A crowd of demonstrators, pledging to remain in front of the compound until the people's demands were met, had peacefully dispersed early evening.

Former colonist France, which maintains a military base in Burkina Faso, urged Compaore to adhere to the African Union charter.

The charter clearly stipulates that constitutional amendments on ending political change is prohibited, Frech Foreign Ministry spokesperson Romain Nadal said.

He warned that breaching the charter could result to sanctions.

TagsAfrica, Burkina Faso, Blaise Compaore, Protest