Conakry: Former president Lansana Conte was to be buried today as Guinea adjusted to the rule of the military junta that has seized control of the west African state since his death.

Conte's death brought an end to 24 years of his dictatorial rule but within hours of his passing late Monday soldiers launched a coup and the government went into hiding.

After prime minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare and his cabinet turned themselves in yesterday, coup leader Moussa Dadis Camara said they could stay and help him run the country but left them with no illusions about who was now in charge.

"Yesterday, you were in power, today it s our turn," said the army captain who has declared himself "president" and plans to lead a 32-member interim administration, made up of 26 military officers and six civilians.

"You can go back to business, let us just avoid armed conflict which would drag our country into fratricidal war.

"We helped you, you must help us," he added in a meeting at a military camp witnessed by journalists.

Souare replied that he and his ministers were ready to serve the junta and made a point of referring to Camara as president.

"We are at your complete disposal," Souare said.

"We thank you once again for your wisdom, Mr President."

The prime minister and his cabinet had turned themselves in after an order to do so from the junta that seized control on Tuesday within hours of veteran strongman Conte s death at the age of 74.

Source : PTI