The death toll from three days of rioting and clashes with security forces reached at least 27 as the West African country's major trade unions called for Conte to step down after his violation of a power-sharing agreement.

Dressed in white traditional robes, Conte said in a TV broadcast that he had ordered the army to "protect the people of Guinea from the risk of a civil war."

The violence started Feb. 10 following Conte's appointment of a close ally from his Cabinet as prime minister. The move angered many who said he sidestepped a power-sharing agreement by naming a confidant.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 17, 2007
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