The Guinean government has been dissolved, according to reports reaching Abidjan on Tuesday.

The development came after radio broadcast from the Guinean capital of Conakry on Tuesday said President Lansana Conte has died after long illness.

A military coup was reported following the death of the president, forcing the government and the constitution to dissolve.

A group of men in military uniform appeared at state radio and TV broadcasting stations.

Conte died at the age of 74 in a hospital in Conakry. He came to power in 1984 and was elected and reelected in 1993, 1998 and 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2008)