Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea’s junta commander, has been promoted to army general as the coup-torn West African country commemorates the formation of its all-powerful military forces.
Doumbouya, 43, took power by force in September 2021, deposing President Alpha Conde, who had put the then-colonel in charge of an elite army tasked with defending the head of state from coups.
The military leader “exceptionally” advanced himself to lieutenant general in January, indicating that the junta would not honor its vow to return power to elected citizens by the end of the year.
In a decree issued Friday evening, Doumbouya, whose supporters have urged him to run for president if the junta relinquishes power, was also awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, the country’s highest honor.
It corresponded to “his constant efforts to promote social cohesion and cooperation between peoples” .
Doumbouya is one of numerous commanders who have taken power in West Africa since 2020, joining fellow military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Doumbouya has presided over a continuous crackdown on dissent, with several opposition leaders imprisoned, hauled to court, or forced into exile.
Despite its abundant natural resources, Guinea remains a poor nation.
It has been ruled by authoritarian or dictatorial governments since