Ouagadougou, Sept 17

While gunfire rang out in the streets, Burkina Faso’s military took to the airwaves today to declare it now controls the West African country, confirming that a coup has taken place just weeks before elections.

The announcement broadcast on national television and radio was read by an army lieutenant colonel wearing a camouflage uniform and cap who sat in front of a blue background.

The statement said the country’s transitional government had been dissolved and the interim president was no longer in power.

The coup leaders, who come from an elite presidential guard unit that had disagreed publicly with the transitional government in recent months, identified themselves as the National Council for Democracy.

Their public statement confirmed what many suspected yesterday when the transitional president and prime minister were arrested and barricades were erected around the presidency.

Hours later, the coup leaders announced that a military general and former aide to the former longtime president now leads Burkina Faso. Gen Gilbert Diendere had been head of the elite presidential guard until President Blaise Compaore was ousted in a popular uprising that was sparked by his bid to prolong his rule.

The communiqué also said that the land and air borders were now closed, and that a curfew would be in effect from 7:00pm to 6:00am.

The international community swiftly condemned the coup, which violated the country’s constitution. The United States said it was “deeply concerned” about the events unfolding.

“The United States strongly condemns any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means or resolve internal political disagreements using force,” said a statement issued by State Department spokesman John Kirby.

The early morning communiqué read by Lt Col Mamadou Bamba criticised the electoral code, which blocked members of the ex-president’s party from taking part in the October 11 elections. Anyone who supported the ex-president’s bid to amend the constitution so he could seek another term is also banned from running.

Bamba today announced the beginning of a “coherent, fair and equitable process” that would lead to inclusive elections.

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