The military in Burkina Faso took to the airwaves to declare it now controls the country, confirming that a coup has taken place just weeks before national elections.

In the announcement aired early Thursday on national television and radio, the statement said that the transitional government had been dissolved, Associated Press reported.

The statement came a day after members of the elite presidential guard unit of the military arrested the transitional president and prime minister.

Burkina Faso was due to hold elections on Oct. 11 that many hoped would strengthen democracy.

The transitional government came to power after the president of 27 years, Blaise Compaore, was ousted late last year in a public uprising.

(With inputs from AP)