Conakry, Guinea  - Guinea's President Lansana Conte, 74, who has ruled the country since 1984 has died, news reports said Tuesday.

Conte's death was announced by the speaker of the country's National Assembly on state television, the BBC reported.

The circumstances of his death remain unclear, but Conte was known to suffer from diabetes.

Conte took power after a bloodless coup in 1984. (dpa)