Over three years after seizing power, Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, has elevated himself to the rank of an army general.
The development comes amid marking the creation of its all-powerful armed forces.
It would be recalled that Doumbouya, who is 43 years in age, forcefully took over power in September 2021 by overthrowing President Alpha Conde.
Conde had placed the then-colonel in charge of an elite force tasked with protecting the head of state from such coups.
In a decree on Friday evening, Doumbouya — whose supporters have urged him to run for president when the junta does cede the reins — was likewise also awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, the country’s highest distinction.
The upgrade in title was justified on the basis of “his constant efforts to promote social cohesion and cooperation between peoples”.
Doumbouya heavily cracked down on dissent, with many opposition leaders detained, brought before the courts or forced into exile.
The West African region has been plagued with coup since 2020.
The military had taken on leadership in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic.
