( CNN ) -- The West African country of Guinea , reeling after the death of President Lansana Conte , is staring at the prospect of widespread political instability amid an apparent coup . Lansana Conte came to power in a military coup in 1984 . Journalist Mohammed Kayta in Conakry said the Guinean military seized control of the capital city 's streets in an apparent coup . He reported that the military was holding negotiations to determine who will succeed Conte , who ruled the country for nearly 25 years . The action followed an announcement on national radio Tuesday by army Capt . Foamed Dadis Camara that government and national institutions had been dissolved , according to Le Jour , a national newspaper , and the subsequent announcement by Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare that the government continued to function . Soldiers were out in force , including around the offices of the president and prime minister in Conakry , local journalist Barry Minkalou told CNN . The streets were calm , with no reports of injuries or violence , he said . Camara said Tuesday an `` advisory council '' of civilians and soldiers would be set up . The Foreign Office in Great Britain said it was `` concerned by reports of a military coup . `` We condemn any attempt to seize power by force , and call on all parties to ensure respect for democracy , human rights and the rule of law , and to safeguard the well-being of their own citizens and foreign nationals in Guinea , '' the office said . U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon , who issued a statement commending Conte and passing along condolences , urged `` a peaceful and democratic transfer of power '' and exhorted `` the armed forces and all stakeholders to respect the democratic process . '' The United Nations told its personnel in Guinea to stay off the streets . `` All U.N. staff have been encouraged to stay at home , '' the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees ' spokesman in Guinea , Faya Foko Millimouno , told CNN . `` Only the military is in the street now . '' The U.S. Embassy in Conakry warned Americans in the country `` to be particularly alert to their surroundings , and to be prepared for any eventuality . '' Aboubacar Sompare , president of the National Assembly , announced Conte 's death . `` We regret to announce to the people of Guinea the death of Gen. Lansana Conte after a long illness , '' Sompare said , according to Le Jour . Conte was 74 . A 40-day period of national mourning has been declared . Conte came to power in a military coup on April 3 , 1984 . Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world , despite its mineral wealth , according to the British charity Plan UK . The country hosts large refugee populations from neighboring Liberia and Ivory Coast .
Guinea President Lansana Conte dies ; 40 days of mourning declared . Army captain says government institutions dissolved . - The United Nations Security Council meets in New York to discuss the situation in Guinea. Conte 's death was announced by president of the National Assembly .