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Guinea's defence minister sacked | Guinea's defence minister sacked |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Guinea's President Lansana Conte has sacked Defence Minister Arafan Camara and army chief Gen Kerfalla Camara, national radio has announced. | |
The move follows days of rioting by soldiers demanding better working conditions and the re-instatement of military leaders sacked after a coup. | The move follows days of rioting by soldiers demanding better working conditions and the re-instatement of military leaders sacked after a coup. |
General Bailo Diallo, a retired former head of Guinea's ground forces, has been named as the new defence minister. | General Bailo Diallo, a retired former head of Guinea's ground forces, has been named as the new defence minister. |
Six people have died in the violence in the capital Conakry and other towns. | Six people have died in the violence in the capital Conakry and other towns. |
A total of five top army commanders have been replaced. | |
Soldiers flooded the streets surrounding the capital's main army base and broke out in cheers at the news of the dismissals. | |
"Conte has responded to an important demand of the Guinean army," said Lt. Ibrahima Bah, one of the soldiers involved in the mutiny. "General Bailo is a high-ranking officer who is worthy of our respect. He has integrity and is responsible." | |
Rioting began 10 days ago when the soldiers alleged President Lansana Conte had gone back on his pledge to increase their wages after an army mutiny in 1996. | |
The army has supported Mr Conte's rule since he seized power in a bloodless coup in 1984 and keeping the military content is seen as key to his bid to stay in power. | |
Guinea was the scene of violent protests earlier this year as people called for the ailing president to step down. |
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