Mamadi Doumbouya, leader of Guinea’s military junta, has promoted himself to army general.
This announcement comes with the establishment of the country’s powerful armed forces.
Doumbouya, 43, seized power in September 2021 by overthrowing President Alpha Conde.
He was previously a colonel responsible for protecting the president.
In January, Doumbouya promoted himself to lieutenant general.
He stated the junta would not return power to elected civilians as promised by the end of the year.
On Friday, he received the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, Guinea’s highest honor, for promoting social cohesion.
His supporters have urged him to run for president when the junta eventually relinquishes control.
Since 2020, Doumbouya is among several military leaders who have seized power in West Africa.
His leadership has seen a crackdown on dissent, with many opposition leaders detained or exiled.
Despite its rich natural resources, Guinea remains impoverished.
The nation has faced decades of authoritarian rule, hindering its development and stability.
