Guinea Soldiers Open Fire On President

Guinea's military leader has been shot at by his own soldiers in the capital Conakry, a government spokesman says. Communication Minister Idrissa Cherif said Capt Moussa Dadis Camara was doing well but did not say if he was hurt. Other reports suggested he was injured. President Moussa "Dadis" Camara, who grabbed power in a military-led coup 11 months ago, had left the main military barracks where he lives and works and had gone to a military camp in downtown Conakry where the shooting occurred. Mr Cherif said that Capt Camara was at a military camp when the shooting occurred. The military took power in a bloodless coup after the death of long-term ruler Lansana Conte in December last year. But the erratic rule of Capt Camara has prompted ridicule, protests and international condemnation. Red-bereted presidential guards stood at intersections carrying submachine guns just before sunset, eying motorists as they drove home. The former French colony has been tense since presidential guard troops opened fire on pro-democracy demonstrators on Sept. 28. A human rights group says 157 people were killed. A U.N. commission is investigating the massacre. The ruling junta has faced sustained criticism over its crackdown on an opposition protest in September, in which activists say 157 people died. The government has admitted 58 people died at the protest in Conakry, but says most were crushed in a stampede. Activists say the army opened fire on crowds and soldiers took part in gang rapes and murders. The rally was called amid reports that Capt Camara was planning to stand in presidential elections next year. Arms embargoes and travel restrictions have been imposed against the junta by the European Union and West African alliance Ecowas. The EU has called for Capt Camara to be tried for crimes against humanity, while the African Union has been urging him to stand down.