A senior aide to the leader of the recent army rebellion in Guinea Bissau has been appointed to head a government of national unity.

The new prime minister, Francisco Fadul, was a political adviser to General Ansumane Mane, following the army mutiny in June.

Correspondents say his appointment is the first real sign of hope that the peace accord signed between the government and the rebels in November could stick.

Conditions of the peace agreement include the setting-up of a multi-party government and parliamentary and presidential elections next year.