The military junta that says it now holds power in Guinea has accused a rival faction of bringing in foreign mercenaries.

The coup leaders said they would hold elections in December 2010, and denounced the action of generals loyal to the former president. Rebel spokesman Moussa Camara said: “They are planning to use mercenaries from neighbouring countries, who are already on our territory.” A group of officers and soldiers calling themselves the National Council for Democracy and Development took power after the death of President Lansana Conte on Monday. They announced the suspension of the constitution and the government in the West African state. The split in Guinea’s armed forces has raised fears of a full-blown conflict in the country. The African Union denounced the coup, and called its peace and security council into emergency session. Conte ruled Guinea with an iron fist for nearly 25 years, and himself took power in a coup. There were always fears about what would happen after his death.More about: Guinea

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