OUAGADOUGOU (AFP) - Burkina Faso's army on Saturday backed Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Zida to lead a transition period after the ousting of president Blaise Compoare, according to a statement published after a meeting of army chiefs.

"Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Zida was chosen unanimously to lead the transition period opened after the departure of president Compaore," said the statement signed by General Navere Honore Traore, who had initially said he would himself assume power.

Zida, the second in command of the presidential guard, said on Friday he had assumed "the responsibilities of head of the transition and of head of state" to ensure a "smooth democratic transition".