Coup in Guinea

After the death of the president of Guinea, General Lansana Conte, on Dec. 23, a military junta of young army officers staged a successful bloodless coup. They promised to fight corruption and graft, improve living conditions and in two years hold free elections. A 32-man council was appointed, with mostly military representatives but also six civilians.

During the last two years of the president Conte’s 24-year presidency, there were frequent strikes, riots and street protests over high food and fuel prices.