Ahmed Tidiane Souare was the Prime Minister of Guinea, but was overthrown in a military coup on December 24, 2008. Moussa Dadis Camara declared himself the new president of Guinea. The coup followed the death of President Lansana Conte.MSNBC: Guinea prime minister surrenders to junta (December 25, 2008)

The speaker of the parliament, Aboubacar Sompare, was next in line to the presidency after the death of Conte, according to the country's constitution. Camara declared himself Guinea's interim leader after a military coup. He said he would hold a presidential election in two years. Souare, together with most members of the government, surrendered himself to Camara on December 25. Souare attended the funeral of former president Conte on December 26.CBS Canada: Thousands gather to mourn death of Guinea's dictator (December 26, 2008)