Guinea’s junta leader Mamadi Doumbouya has been elevated to the rank of army general as the coup-hit West African country marked the creation of its all-powerful armed forces, according to AFP.
Doumbouya, 43, seized power by force in September 2021 by overthrowing President Alpha Conde, who had placed the then-colonel in charge of an elite force tasked with protecting the head of state from such coups.
He was also awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, the country’s highest distinction.
This was for “his constant efforts to promote social cohesion and cooperation between peoples”
The military leader “exceptionally” promoted himself to the rank of lieutenant general in January.
Doumbouya is one of several officers who have seized power in West Africa since 2020, along with fellow military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Peoplesmind
