Following the death of President Lansana Conte on December 21, a military group calling itself the National Council for Democracy and Development took power in the early morning hours of December 22.

They justified their action saying that steps were needed to ensure democracy and stability in uncertain times, but by essentially seizing power it would seem they are defeating their own purpose.

To be sure, Guinea is no stranger to political unrest. Martial law was declared last year after a general strike, and earlier this year army troops demanding back pay demonstrated in the capital, Conakry.

The President of the 32-person junta is Army Captain Moussa Dadis Camara. The junta announced that it would complete President Conte’s term and hold elections in 2010.

Two years is an excessively long time to new elections, especially as Guinea has been preparing for elections in the first half of 2009. If this comes to pass, Guinea’s long-delayed transition to democracy will be derailed once again.