Guinea's President Lansana Conte agreed on Saturday to remove his unpopular defense minister, a key demand of soldiers leading a three-day-old military revolt, according to a presidential decree read on state radio, AP reported. In an earlier broadcast, on Friday, the president had also capitulated to the soldiers' demand for higher wages, a move that indicates the growing independence of the military and Conte's willingness to change course to keep the volatile troops on his side. A spokesman for Conte read out a statement on the radio, but did not say how much the pay would rise. Upon news of the removal of Gen. Arafan Camara, soldiers flooded the streets surrounding the capital's main army base, openly celebrating. On Thursday, soldiers angry at not having received a raise left their barracks at the capital's Alpha Yaya Diallo camp and began shooting in the air in a protest many feared would turn violent. By Friday, soldiers throughout the countryside had left their posts and began blocking roads, holding half a dozen towns hostage as shopkeepers closed their stalls and residents cowered behind barricaded doors. The revolt began when word leaked out that only officers with 14 years or more service would be promoted, prompting the junior officers to mutiny. Earlier in the week, soldiers had circulated a petition calling for higher wages and the resignation of the minister of defense. A level of calm had returned to Conakry upon news of the removal the unpopular minister, who has been replaced by Bailo Diallo, a retired general.
