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Military Leaders in Guinea Claim They Have Taken Power

By Scott Stearns
Dakar
23 December 2008

Military leaders in Guinea say they have taken power, following the death of long-time President Lansana Conte. The civilian government in Conakry says it is still in charge.

Military leaders in Guinea say they have dissolved the government and constitution.

National Council for Democracy says it is in charge

The coup attempt by soldiers from the newly-formed National Council for Democracy followed an early morning broadcast announcing President Conte's death. In that broadcast, the head of Guinea's armed forces and other military leaders stood beside the head of the national assembly, Aboubacar Sompare, who called on the supreme court to follow the constitution and make him president.

The coup announcement that followed said the National Council for Democracy would take charge of the destiny of the Guinean people. Government ministers were ordered to report immediately to a military barracks which has been the scene of several unsuccessful mutinies against the Conte government.

Prime minister denies claim

Guinean Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare says his government has not been dissolved. He told French radio that those behind the coup attempt have not used force and the government is calling for understanding and compassion from all Guineans, especially the military.

Former colonial power France says it will oppose any military take-over in Guinea. Assembly Speaker Sompare told French television that there are negotiations underway between officers and soldiers backing the coup attempt and those supporting constitutional rule.

Announcing the coup, Captain Moussa David Camara said the military was taking power to stop what he called widespread corruption, impunity, anarchy, and a catastrophic economic situation.

Camara said members of the Conte government are, in large part, responsible for what he called an "unprecedented economic and social crisis." He said a joint civilian-military council reflecting the nation's ethnic balance would run the country until new elections.

President died after long illness

A reporter for VOA in Conakry says the capital remains calm, and most people are following orders to stay at home.

President Conte had been ill for some time. The nation's second president was thought to be in his 70's and was a heavy smoker who suffered from diabetes. He ruled Guinea since a 1984 coup that followed the death of post-independence leader Ahmed Sekou Toure.

President Conte first won election in 1993 in a vote protested by political opponents because some results were canceled. He survived a February 1996 army mutiny over pay. At least 40 people were killed and the president was captured by mutineers who later freed him when he promised to raise salaries for troops.

President Conte was re-elected in 1998 after his main challenger was jailed for sedition. A referendum changing the constitution to remove term limits allowed President Conte to run again in 2003. Most opposition parties boycotted that ballot, and he was re-elected with more than 95 percent of the vote.

President Conte survived an assassination attempt by dissident soldiers in January of 2005.

Following his death, Guinea's constitution calls for presidential elections within 60 days. Legislative elections had already been planned for next year.