Ex-ministers arrested in Guinea

Ahmed Tidiane Souare (r) submitted to the army leaders days after the coup

Guinea's military authorities have arrested three former ministers, among them ex-Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare, sources have told the BBC.

They have been taken into police custody but have not yet been charged.

Two former Mines Ministers, Ousmane Sylla and Lounceny Nabe, have also been detained.

Since taking power last December, Guinea's military leaders have arrested numerous former top officials, including the ex-president's son.

Ousmane Conte, son of former President Lansana Conte, was last month shown on national television, admitting to smuggling cocaine.

Other officials have been summoned to appear before a commission investigating corruption claims.

Mr Souare was prime minister at the time of Mr Conte's death.

He publicly acknowledged coup leader Captain Moussa Dadis Camara as "Mr president" just three days later.

Capt Camara seized power last month after the death of President Conte, who had ruled since 1984.

President Camara's National Council for Democracy and Development has promised to stand down and hold elections by 2010.

Guinea is to remain suspended from both the African Union and the West African regional bloc Ecowas until the polls are held.