The Guinean military junta has called for a United Nations investigation into the violent crackdown of a demonstration earlier this week.

At least 157 people were killed by government troops after they opened fire on demonstrators in a crowded stadium on Monday.

The demonstrators were calling for junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara to stand down.

Captain Camara told Senegal’s RFM radio station that he was “disgusted” by the violence.

The junta has received international condemnation for the bloodbath.

France has suspended all military cooperation with its former colony and is urging European sanctions against Guinea.

The UN will also investigate the deaths of more than 180 people during a general strike in 2007.

The military junta in Guinea has agreed to form a government of national unity.

The junta came to power in a bloodless coup in December, shortly after the death of President Lansana Conté, who had ruled the country since 1984. In spite of promises that the army’s leader would not take part in elections, Captain Camara was planning to stand.

Photo: Guinean troops - ANP