Guinea opposition blasts 'constitutional coup'

Opposition politicians in Guinea have strongly criticised President Alpha Condé's announcement that he wants a referendum to approve changes to the constitution which would allow him to remain in power.

At the end of next year Mr Condé is due to step down as he will have served the maximum two terms in office.

The controversial issue has led to large protests in recent months in which at least 20 people have been killed by the security forces.

Fodé Oussou Fofana of Guinea's main opposition party, the UFDG, described the president's announcement as a "constitutional coup" and a "fraud".

Changing the rules to stay in power was "treasonous", he said.

Even though the 81-year-old president hasn't yet said he wants to run for office again, Guineans are in no doubt - that's why they've been demonstrating.

The international reaction is split.

America and EU countries are likely to keep pushing for a peaceful transition of power but Mr Condé appears to have the backing of Russia.

Russia is already heavily invested in the country's mineral sector and is seeking to deepen its political and military ties in Guinea and elsewhere across the continent.