Guinea’s junta leader, Mamadi Doumbouya, has promoted himself to the rank of army general as the nation commemorates the establishment of its powerful armed forces. Doumbouya, who is 43 years old, came to power through a coup in September 2021, toppling President Alpha Conde. At that time, Conde had entrusted Doumbouya, then a colonel, with leading an elite unit tasked with safeguarding the presidency against such uprisings.

In a decree issued on Friday evening, Doumbouya was also awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, the highest honor in the country. This recognition was attributed to “his constant efforts to promote social cohesion and cooperation between peoples,” reflecting the junta’s attempt to garner public support amidst a tense political climate.

Doumbouya’s rise is part of a broader trend in West Africa, where several military leaders, including those in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have seized power since 2020. His administration has been marked by a persistent crackdown on dissent, with numerous opposition figures either imprisoned, taken to court, or forced into exile.

Despite Guinea’s vast natural resources, the country continues to grapple with severe poverty. It has been under the grip of authoritarian rule for decades, and the current regime’s actions raise concerns about the future of democracy and human rights in the region. As Doumbouya consolidates power, the international community watches closely, wary of the implications for stability in West Africa.