Guinea’s Junta Leader Doumbouya Promotes Himself To Army General, Honors His Own Achievements

Guinea’s Junta Leader Doumbouya Promotes Himself To Army General, Honors His Own Achievements

Guinea’s ruling military leader, Mamady Doumbouya, has promoted himself to the rank of army general as part of the country’s Armed Forces Day celebrations. Doumbouya, 43, took control of Guinea in September 2021 following a coup that ousted President Alpha Conde, whom he previously served as head of an elite security unit.……CONTINUE READING 

In addition to his new rank, Doumbouya awarded himself the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, the highest honor in Guinea, citing his “dedicated efforts to foster social cohesion and regional cooperation.” Originally, the junta had committed to a rapid return to civilian rule but has since delayed the transition, with no set timeline for elections.

Despite criticism over political repression, including the detention or exile of opposition leaders, Doumbouya’s supporters have suggested he should run for president when elections are held. Guinea, though rich in natural resources, continues to face economic struggles under military rule, joining other West African nations, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where coups have recently reshaped political landscapes.