Moussa Dadis Camara

Captain Moussa Dadis Camara is the former spokesman for the National Council for Democracy. After a military coup declared the government of Guinea overthrown on December 24, 2008, Captain Camara declared himself, in effect, as the new president of the country.CNN.com: Coup leader names himself Guinea president (December 24, 2008) The following day, Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare surrendered along with his top leaders to the coup, who then let them go. This signals the government support of Captain Camara, heralded by some people as their "junior Obama."The Independent: Coup leader cements authority... (December 25, 2008)

The president of Guinea died on Monday, December 22, 2008, after what is believed to have been a long battle with leukemia. According to the constitution of the country, the speaker of the parliament, Aboubacar Sompare, should be the next in line to take charge. Government elections would then be held within 60 days. The international community, including the United States, the European Union and the African Union have all condemned the coup.BBC News: Thousands greet Guinea coup chief (December 24, 2008)

"I would like to inform the people of Guinea that there are generals who for unknown reasons are trying to recruit mercenaries - some of whom are already inside our borders - for the purpose of destabilising our attempts to establish peace and democracy." - Captain CamaraBBC News: Thousands greet Guinea coup chief (December 24, 2008)

"We are still in control and we are trying to normalize the situation. We have no intention of bringing in mercenaries. In fact, we haven't even asked our own armed forces to intervene." - Ahmed Tidiane Souare, Prime Minister of GuineaBBC News: Thousands greet Guinea coup chief (December 24, 2008)