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'Four killed' in Guinea protests Guinea street demonstrators shot
(about 1 hour later)
Clashes in Guinea have left at least four people dead and dozens more hurt, some seriously, hospital sources say. At least seven people have been shot dead by the security forces in the West African state of Guinea during protests against the newly named prime minister.
The violence erupted in the town of Kindia about 140km (87 miles) from the capital, Conakry. Dozens more were seriously injured in the violence in the capital Conakry and several towns across the country.
There are unconfirmed reports of a further two military deaths in the town of Kankan. President Lansana Conte named Eugene Camara as prime minister on Friday, meeting a deadline to avoid strikes.
The violence appears to have been sparked by President Lansana Conte's unpopular choice of prime minister - his close ally Eugene Camara. However, the demonstrators say Mr Camara is too close to the president and are demanding a leadership change.
President Conte nominated Mr Camara for the post, meeting a trade union deadline to avoid strikes. The violence erupted in the town of Kindia about 140km (87 miles) from the capital, Conakry. At least four of the deaths occurred there.
Unions ended an 18-day strike last month when Mr Conte agreed to hand over the running of the government by Sunday in order to avoid a resumption of the nationwide strike - the third in a year. As well as the known seven civilian deaths, there are also unconfirmed reports that two soldiers were killed and their bodies burnt by protesters in the town of Kankan.
'Provocative' appointment The BBC's Will Ross in Conakry says the capital is in chaos after protesters went on the rampage, ransacking government offices and the homes of government ministers.
Correspondents say the president's choice for prime minister is being rejected by unions and the people who want a change in leadership. Gunfire can be heard in several areas of the city, our correspondent says, and young demonstrators have blocked roads with rocks and burning tyres.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets in Guinea's capital, burning tyres and blocking roads in protest. Mr Conte had agreed to hand over the running of the government by Sunday in order to avoid the resumption of an 18-day strike which unions ended last month.
Mr Camara, a close ally of the president, has been in government for several years and working as the minister for presidential affairs. But people are angry that Mr Conte has chosen a close ally for the post of prime minister.
The BBC's Will Ross in Conakry says the unions fear Eugene Camara will simply be the president's puppet.
One labour union official described Mr Camara's appointment as "provocative".
As people take to the streets to vent their anger, the likelihood of further violence is growing by the minute, our correspondent says.
Some 60 people died during the recent strikes, called over falling living standards and alleged mismanagement.
The deaths came after security forces opened fire on protesters as they were trying to march to the centre of the capital, witnesses and unionists say.
Military responseMilitary response
Mr Camara has been in government for several years and worked as the minister for presidential affairs.
Our correspondent says unions fear Mr Camara will simply be the president's puppet, and are demanding a complete change of leadership instead.
President Conte has won three elections since seizing powerSome 60 people died during the recent strikes, called over falling living standards and alleged mismanagement.
Guinea is mineral rich but has also been described as the most corrupt country in the world, and most people live in abject poverty.Guinea is mineral rich but has also been described as the most corrupt country in the world, and most people live in abject poverty.
President Conte has won three elections since seizing powerThe president seized power in a 1984 coup but has since won three elections. Now in his seventies and suffering ill-health, there is an overwhelming desire for him to step down. The president seized power in a 1984 coup but has since won three elections. Now in his seventies and suffering ill-health, there is an overwhelming desire for him to step down.
Our reporter says there is a fear that Mr Conte's reluctance to relinquish power could have dire consequences for Guinea's neighbours - Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast - which have all been plagued by conflict.Our reporter says there is a fear that Mr Conte's reluctance to relinquish power could have dire consequences for Guinea's neighbours - Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast - which have all been plagued by conflict.
He said it would be no surprise if the military responds to the protesters with violence, although some question how long the army will continue to back an unpopular president.