Blaise Compaoré

U.S. President Barack Obama meets with President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti on May 5, 2014. Some Djiboutians say American ties to their country are holding back democratization.

The overthrow of Blaise Compaoré sparks protests against Djibouti's leader

The protests that forced Burkina Faso's longtime ruler to step down are echoing on the other side of the continent, where young protesters in Djibouti are calling for their own leader to step down after 15 years. They face not only a repressive government, but its international supporters as well.

The overthrow of Blaise Compaoré sparks protests against Djibouti's leader
Lieutenant Colonel Yacouba Isaac Zida meets with opposition leaders in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, on November 2, 2014.

Burkina Faso's new military leader is familiar to the Pentagon

Burkina Faso's new military leader is familiar to the Pentagon
The former president of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara

Burkina Faso's protests broke 27 years of fear and silence

Burkina Faso's protests broke 27 years of fear and silence
Anti-government protesters at a TV station in Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, the people rise against a president who just won't leave

In Burkina Faso, the people rise against a president who just won't leave
Protesters chant slogans at Place de la Nation in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, on October 28, 2014. Police fired tear gas at rock-throwing protesters after tens of thousands of people marched through the city on Tuesday morning.

People in Burkina Faso are taking to the streets to protest their 'president for life'

People in Burkina Faso are taking to the streets to protest their 'president for life'