The military leader of Guinea has called for an independent inquiry into a bloody crackdown on opposition protestors in the West African nation.

President Moussa Dadis Camara on Wednesday called for 'a national and international commission of inquiry with the United Nations to shine a light onto the events of January and February 2007, and September 28, 2009'.

The ruling National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) led by the captain has come under fierce criticism after a rights group accused security forces of killing 157 people during a protest on Monday.

In a similar incident in 2007, more than 180 people were killed during protests against then president Lansana Conte who had come to power in a military coup in 1984.

The CNDD also called for the formation of a national unity government.

"The CNDD asks for ... the formation of a government of national unity integrating members of different political parties and tasked with the transition," Ruling council official Mandjou Deoubate said on state television.

According to the country's constitution, Aboubacar Sompare, the head of the National Assembly, should have become president after Conte's death in 2008.

However, a group of military officers seized power within hours of his death and suspended the constitution.

Headed by Captain Camara, the junta has promised to hold a new presidential election at the end of a two-year transitional period.

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