( CNN ) -- Protesters demanding that the newly installed military government step aside clashed with security forces in Burkina Faso 's capital on Sunday as regional leaders pleaded for calm . After the resignation of President Blaise Compaore -- who himself faced violent protests over his desire to extend his 27-year rule -- Burkina Faso 's military took power . On Sunday , a huge crowd gathered in Ouagadougou , protesting the military government and demanding the return to constitutional rule . Gunfire erupted during clashes between the protesters and security forces near the location of the state news television channel , local journalist Ouezen Louis Oulon told CNN . On Saturday , the military consolidated its support behind Lt. Col. Isaac Yacouba Zida , who will serve as interim President until elections can be held . On Sunday , as the protests renewed , the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States called for peace and an orderly transition to democracy . Compaore resigned as President after initially vowing to stay until elections could be held , despite violent protests to his desire to extend his lengthy rule . His decision to step down `` opens the necessary political space for all the stakeholders to work together to find a lasting resolution to the crisis facing the country , '' the head of the African Union , Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma , said in a statement . The African Union 's Peace and Security Council will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the crisis in Burkina Faso . Dlamini-Zuma said she prefers an agreement that will lead to a civilian-led transition toward elections for a new government . She called on Burkina Faso 's military to place themselves at the disposal of civilian authorities . ECOWAS Chairman John Dramani Mahama offered a more general assessment , calling for all parties to `` work in the overall interest of the people of Burkina Faso in order to guarantee peace and stability in the region . '' Demonstrators last week stormed Parliament , setting fire to the building . The protests came amid rising discontent about the high cost of living and Compaore 's attempts to amend the country 's constitution to help him extend his term . Compaore had been in office since he took power after a bloody coup in 1987 . The country was formerly known as the Republic of Upper Volta when it was established in 1958 as a self-governing colony under France .
They clashed with security forces in Burkina Faso 's capital on Sunday . The protesters want the military government to step aside . The AU and UN call for calm and a return to elections .