Guinean president should prepare for change: African Union

Guinea's ailing president should prepare for political transition to avoid more upheaval in the west African nation, African Union Commission chief Alpha Oumar Konare told AFP.

The 72-year-old Lansana Conte, who suffers from chronic diabetes and memory lapses, is facing a revolt by soldiers demanding years of back pay, after days of strikes and violence.

"We have always been concerned by the situation in Guinea. We have deplored and condemned the violence that has erupted," Konare said late Monday.

"The historic role that President Conte should play is to accept to prepare a transition for the time after his rule."

In February, Conte appointed a new prime minister, Lansana Kouyate, under pressure from foreign governments after weeks of deadly protests called by the country's two powerful labour unions.

But Konare said the prime minister's role should be reviewed.

"We do not need violence in Guinea. The prime minister should be a transitional prime minister," he said.

The recent rioting by an army that has shored up Conte's rule for years is the first to hit the new government of consensus installed in April to help settle the political and social troubles.

Conte was forced on Saturday to sack military leaders following a near two-week strike by the soldiers.