Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, has promoted himself to the rank of army general as the country marked the establishment of its powerful armed forces. Doumbouya, 43, originally seized power in September 2021 by toppling President Alpha Conde, who had previously appointed him to lead an elite force tasked with safeguarding the presidency.
In a decree issued on Friday evening, Doumbouya not only elevated his military rank but was also awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, Guinea’s highest honor, in recognition of “his constant efforts to promote social cohesion and cooperation between peoples.” This move comes as Doumbouya faces increasing pressure from supporters who encourage him to run for president once the junta relinquishes control.
Doumbouya’s ascent is part of a troubling trend in West Africa, where several military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have similarly seized power since 2020. Under his leadership, Guinea has witnessed a crackdown on dissent, with numerous opposition leaders detained, tried, or forced into exile.
Despite its rich natural resources, Guinea continues to grapple with widespread poverty and has been ruled by authoritarian regimes for decades.
