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In a controversial move, Guinea’s junta leader has promoted himself to the rank of army general, reinforcing his authority within the nation’s military hierarchy.
Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, has promoted himself to the rank of army general as the coup-affected West African nation celebrated the establishment of its formidable armed forces.
In September 2021, at the age of 43, Doumbouya forcefully took control by ousting President Alpha Conde. Ironically, Conde had previously appointed then-Colonel Doumbouya to lead an elite unit responsible for safeguarding the head of state against such coups.
In a decree issued on Friday evening, Doumbouya—whose supporters have encouraged him to run for president once the junta relinquishes power—was also granted the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, which is the nation’s highest honor.
This was for “his unwavering efforts to foster social unity and collaboration among different communities.”
Since 2020, Doumbouya has been among several military officers who have taken control in West Africa, alongside counterparts in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Doumbouya has overseen a continuous suppression of dissent, with numerous opposition leaders being detained, prosecuted in court, or compelled to go into exile.
Despite its abundant natural resources, Guinea continues to be a nation in poverty.
For decades, authoritarian or dictatorial governments have ruled it.
