Coalition group Forces Vives early month submitted proposal to ruling junta for elections in late 2009: ruling CNDD agreed 28 March to hold legislative elections 11 Oct, presidential poll 13 Dec, but doubts persist over commitment to transition to civilian rule. Former PM Souaré and 2 ex-mines ministers arrested 23 March after junta ordered 4 former ministers to repay $5m allegedly embezzled under previous administration. International Contact Group on Guinea met for 2nd time 16 March: called on govt to negotiate with Forces Vives to establish transitional govt, confirm electoral timetable. EU same day proposed talks with junta on resuming EU aid, conditional on steps to restore rule of law.

Leader of newly-installed junta Capt. Dadis Camara at 16 Feb meeting of international, civil society representatives presented 4-step process for transition to civilian rule but set no date for next polls. AU 11 Feb reiterated demand for civilian govt by end 2009. 17 arrested early-Feb for drug-trafficking including 7 soldiers; Dadis Camara called for open debate on backers, implicating police. 15 Feb beating of lawyer triggered 18-19 Feb lawyers’ strike over military brutality and impunity. Ousmane Conté, son of ex-president, arrested by junta 24 Feb for drug trafficking.

Ruling CNDD military junta 14 Jan named 30-member military and civilian govt, announced wide-ranging reform programme to privatise services, target corruption, review mining contracts. International community maintained pressure to bring elections forward to 2009; govt yet to confirm timetable. Junta employed further strong-arm tactics to consolidate control, including 1 Jan raid on former PM’s home; 3 colonels, including 1 minister, arrested 27 Jan in sign of internal power struggle. Opposition, civil society generally acquiescent to new regime. France led international calls for return to civilian rule, elections within the year; U.S. 5 Jan announced suspension of all but humanitarian aid, ECOWAS 13 Jan joined AU in suspending Guinean membership, while AU threatened sanctions. Regional messages mixed with Senegalese, Libyan, Liberian leaders over month indicating degrees of support.

Death of President Conté 22 Dec followed hours later by bloodless coup led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara and group of junior officers from new political grouping, National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD), sparking fears over impact on national and regional stability.Camara announced replacement of senior military command and local officials, appointed civilian Kabine Komara as PM of new transitional govt, pledged elections for 2010 and to tackle rampant corruption – meeting with apparently significant popular support. Several senior politicians, including ex-PM Souré, and military leaders backed coup despite early signs of disunity. Army in show of force launched armed raids on residency of 2 senior Conté aides 28-29 Dec. U.S. condemned coup; AU 29 Dec suspended Guinea’s membership, threatened sanctions and demanded return to constitutional order. Senegalese President Wade 23 Dec endorsed new leadership. CNDD delegation end Dec visited Mali, Guinea- Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone to solicit support.

1 killed and 20 injured early month in anti-govt protests calling for greater reduction in fuel prices. Heavy police presence reportedly retained in Boké following late Oct mass protests over failing public services.

First parliamentary elections since independence, set for Dec, again postponed; voter registration yet to begin. Opposition UFR accused govt of stalling to retain control amid waning support. President Conté replaced finance and security ministers in further summary dismissals following May sacking of PM Kouyaté. In Conakry, 2 shot dead by police during 10 Oct protests against foreign bauxite firm's alleged failure to deliver promised public services. 1 killed in reported spate of attacks along Sierra Leone border by armed militiamen. UN anti-narcotics chief warned country surpassing Guinea-Bissau as region’s trafficking hub.

Social unrest increased: youths protested repeated electricity cuts in Conakry early month; vehicles torched in unemployment protests near disputed mining project near Simandou, 5 Sept; hospitals ground to halt after 10-day health workers’ strike. Following intense political debate over govt mining contracts in Aug, Finance Minister Ousmane Dore 8 Sept vowed to speed up sector review started after early 2007 violent anti-govt protests. 3 senior officials arrested over large cocaine load intercepted in Boke 4 Sept; authorities allege series of recent plane deliveries.

In series of political reshuffles, President Conté early month sacked long-time ally and high-level minister Soumah, replacing with son-in-law Kéïra. Move widely thought linked to Conté’s 1 Aug rescinding of significant mining concession contract in Simandou. Electoral commission 28Aug announced national polls, set for Nov, likely to be again postponed due to funding shortfalls and June govt changes. Health workers’ 2-day countrywide pay strike 11-12 Aug suspended after govt talks. Guinean army chief 12 Aug apologised over 200 civilians killed in police crackdown on early 2007 anti-Conté protests.

Govt 15 July postponed electoral census to 1 Aug ahead of late 2008 elections, citing financial constraints.

At least 6 killed, dozens arrested in 17 June army raid on Conakry police HQ to quash 2-day police, customs officials pay protest. 4-day teachers, researchers strike called off 22 June after negotiations; army pay rise approved 13 June after May protests. New PM Soaré 19 June announced expanded 32-strong cabinet; 10 ministers of replaced PM Kouyaté govt retained, but allies of President Conté in several key posts. Electoral commission said voter registration for Dec legislative elections should be complete by Aug, concerns over insufficient funding and participation on polling day.