Conakry - In a surprise move, Guinea's President Alpha Conde on Tuesday replaced the government minister charged with organising this year's presidential election with an army general.
A statement read on state-owned television gave no reason for the change, which saw General Bourema Conde, considered to be among the president's closest allies in Guinea's influential army, named minister of territorial administration.
He replaces Alassane Conde, a civilian who had held the position since President Conde named his first government following his election in late 2010.
He will continue to serve as a government minister with an advisorial role to the president.
None of the three men are related.
Conde's election marked the end of a 2008-2010 military junta that seized power following the death of long-time dictator Lansana Conte.
However the polls were tainted by deadly riots and opposition complaints of fraud.
Opposition figures were quick to criticise Conde's decision to appoint a military figure.
“The president had succeeded in getting rid of the soldiers, but to our amazement they are coming back and occupying strategic posts,” opposition politician Faya Bourouno said.
Already the world's leading producer of bauxite, the raw material used in aluminium production, Guinea is seeking to diversify its mining sector and develop its largely untapped iron reserves.
However, the country is currently struggling to end an Ebola outbreak, which originated in Guinea before spreading to neighbouring Sierra Leone and Liberia, crippling the economies of all three nations.
Reuters