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CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) - Young men stormed the streets of Guinea, hurling rocks and setting tires ablaze as labor unions called for a strike Friday, threatening to throw the African nation into gridlock.
Police used tear gas to fight back the hundreds of protesters who rioted in suburbs of the capital following a report that the president had fired one of his ministers, said Bakary Drame, the commander of a security force unit in Conakry.
President Lansana Conte grabbed power in a 1984 coup and has refused to let go despite repeated demonstrations that have become increasingly violent. One year ago, a series of strikes spiraled into mass protests. Conte ordered martial law. Tanks rolled into the capital and security forces opened fire on protesters, killing dozens.
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