The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Conakry

A military junta tightened its grip on Guinea after a junior army officer declared himself the new president and ordered members of the government to give themselves up within 24 hours.

Captain Moussa Dadis Camara had paraded through with hundreds of soldiers on Wednesday before announcing that he was in charge following the death of longtime dictator Lansana Conte.

A crowd of thousands of coup supporters thronged the streets on Conakry, surrounding the presidential palace and the government ministries, before dispersing peacefully.

Conte had ruled with an iron fist since 1984 and within hours of his passing late Monday, a group of soldiers took control of the airwaves and claimed to have seized power in the impoverished but mineral-rich west African state.

"I am convinced, reassured that I am the president of the republic, the head of the National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD)," Camara said at his first press conference late Wednesday.

Later, in a statement read on radio and state television the CNDD junta said: "All army officers and all the former members of the government are asked to go to camp Alpha Yaya Diallo in the next 24 hours."

When the ultimatum had passed for all to go to the main military base near the international airport, "a sweep of the entire national territory will be organised," the new military leadership warned.