MILITARY JUNTA CONSOLIDATES TAKEOVER

CONAKRY The soldiers who seized power in Guinea over the weekend have consolidated their takeover with the installation of army officers at the top of Guinea's eight regions and various administrative districts.

West African countries have threatened sanctions following the overthrow of President Alpha Conde, who was serving a third term after altering the constitution to permit it, which his opponents said was illegal. Regional leaders will meet to discuss the situation on Wednesday.

Coup leader Mamady Doumbouya, pictured, a former officer in the French Foreign Legion, has promised a transitional government of national unity and a “new era for governance and economic development.” But he has not yet explained exactly what this will entail, or given a time frame.

Sunday's uprising, in which Conde and other top politicians were detained or barred from travelling, is the third since April in West and Central Africa, raising concerns about a slide back to military rule.