African Union (AU) chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma spoke out on Burkina Faso yesterday, calling for a "civilian-led transition" to be swiftly followed by "free, fair and transparent elections."

She stressed that defence and security forces had a duty to "act in a republican spirit" and to place themselves "at the disposal of the civilian authorities who should lead the transition."

The AU leader's call coincided with a political rally in the capital Ouagadougou making demands of military leader Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Yacouba Zida.

The colonel was appointed transitional leader by the army on Saturday, hours after General Honore Traore had indicated that he would lead the country following the resignation of longtime president Blaise Compaore.

Mr Compaore stepped down on Friday after protesters torched the parliament in a show of anger at his bid to amend the constitution so that he could seek a fifth term.

"The army cannot lead us. They have disqualified themselves," opposition party leader Stanislas Benewinde Sankara told the rally.

"This is the result of a popular insurrection."

However, the army put out a statement announcing its unanimous appointment of Lt Col Zida to lead the west African country.

"The period of transition" and its "form and duration will be determined later," army leaders made clear in a military communique.

Lt Col Zida, who was second in command of the president's security regiment, confirmed that his resignation amid violent street protests had been an "insurrection" rather than a coup, adding that Mr Compaore and a top aide were both safe.

"Starting today I will assume all the responsibilities of this transition and of head of state," he said.

The new leader urged the international community, including the AU, to "support our people during this difficult ordeal."

He announced that the country's borders had been closed, a transitional committee had been set up and the constitution had been suspended.

US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: "The United States condemns the Burkinabe military's attempt to impose its will on the people of Burkina Faso

"We call on the military to immediately transfer power to civilian authorities."