Guinea Armed Forces

The West African nation of Guinea dissolved its ruling military council, taking the first step toward civilian government after a landslide referendum against one-party rule. In a New Year's Eve speech, head of state Gen. Lansana Conte announced the immediate dissolution of the Military Committee for National Recovery to make way for a new Transitional Council for National Recovery.

Rebel soldiers reportedly agreed Saturday to end a mutiny that left 20 people dead in this West African nation and forced its president into hiding.

Rebel soldiers reportedly agreed Saturday to end a mutiny that left 20 people dead in this West African nation and forced its president into hiding.

The West African nation of Guinea dissolved its ruling military council, taking the first step toward civilian government after a landslide referendum against one-party rule. In a New Year's Eve speech, head of state Gen. Lansana Conte announced the immediate dissolution of the Military Committee for National Recovery to make way for a new Transitional Council for National Recovery.

Attackers armed with rocket-propelled grenades targeted the headquarters of Guinea-Bissau's armed forces, destroying part of the building, witnesses said. Army troops encircled the area and were searching for the unknown assailants. The impoverished former Portuguese colony in West Africa has a history of coups and civil conflict. Military officers ordered two private radio stations in the capital to cease broadcasting, and state television also appeared to have stopped.

Former military junta chief Brig. Ansumane Mane, who tried to lead an uprising against the elected Guinea-Bissau government, has been shot dead, Portuguese state television RTP reported Thursday. RTP showed footage of the body of the former army chief, who defied the government of the tiny West African nation by declaring himself head of the armed forces Nov. 20.