Associated Press
Tuesday, December 23, 2008

CONAKRY, Guinea, Dec. 23 -- The longtime ruler of the West African nation of Guinea has died after a long illness, the country's prime minister said Tuesday.

Lansana Conte, who was believed to be in his 70s, died late Monday in the capital, Conakry, Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare said.

Appearing with Souare on state television, National Assembly President Aboubacar Sompare said that Conte has long been suffering from health problems. He asked the country's Supreme Court to name him president, in accordance with the country's constitution.

Conte was only the second president of Guinea since the country gained independence from France 50 years ago. He succeeded Sekou Toure in 1984, grabbing power in a coup, and ruled with an iron fist.