Doumbouya: Guinea’s junta leader elevates self to army general 

Guinea’s junta leader, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has elevated himself to the esteemed rank of army general.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the development comes as the West African nation commemorates the establishment of its formidable armed forces.

Doumbouya, now 43, led a successful coup d’etat in September 2021, seizing power from President Alpha Conde, who had appointed him to lead an elite force tasked with preventing such overthrows.

The turn of events unfolded on September 5, 2021, when Doumbouya and his Special Forces Group (GPS) arrested President Conde and took control of the government.

According to the report, Mamady’s elite force was meant to safeguard the head of state against coups, but he ultimately utilized this position to orchestrate the overthrow.

The military leader, in a decree on November 1, 2024, was awarded the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Colatier, the country’s highest honor.

The award comes as his supporters continue to encourage him to run for president when the junta eventually transfers power.

The award was for “his constant efforts to ensure social cohesion and cooperation between people,” Channelstv reported.

Doumbouya is among several officers who have seized power in West Africa since 2020, along with other military leaders in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.

“The junta leader has spearheaded a persistent crackdown on dissent in Guinea, resulting in widespread human rights abuses.”

Many opposition leaders have been detained, brought before courts, or forced into exile.

“Since assuming power in September 2021, Mamady’s regime has been characterized by systemic repression, featuring arbitrary arrests and torture of activists and protesters by security forces.”

“Despite possessing an abundance of natural resources, the Republic of Guinea persists in a state of endemic poverty.”

“Decades of authoritarian and dictatorial rule have hindered the country’s socio-economic development, perpetuating widespread destitution.”

Who is Doumbouya?

Colonel Mamady Doumbouya is a Guinean military officer who has been serving as the interim president of Guinea since October 1, 2021.

He was born on March 4, 1980, in the Kankan Region of Guinea, Doumbouya is of Mandinka origins.

Early Life and Military Career

The military leader was a French legionnaire before returning to Guinea to lead the Special Forces Group, an elite military unit created by President Alpha Condé.

He received training in various countries and rose through the ranks, becoming a battalion commander, lieutenant colonel in 2019, and colonel in 2020.

2021 Coup d’état

Doumbouya led the September 5, 2021, coup that overthrew President Alpha Condé, citing the country’s dire political situation, instrumentalization of the judiciary, and poverty.

He dissolved the government and constitution, establishing the National Committee of Reconciliation and Development (CNRD).

Interim President

As interim president, Doumbouya has announced plans for “free, credible, and transparent” elections and respects Guinea’s international commitments.

He met with Assimi Goïta of Mali and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, seeking inspiration for reform and reconciliation.

However, his rule has been marked by controversy, including the detention of opposition leaders and threats against anti-government protesters.

Personal Life

Doumbouya is married to Lauriane Darboux, a French National Gendarmerie officer, and they have four children.

Awards and Recognition

The junta leader received the French Legion of Honour (Chevalier), the Guinean National Order of Merit (Commander), and the Medal of Military Valour (France).

Controversies

Doumbouya’s overthrow of President Alpha Condé sparked international condemnation.

Reports of arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances under his rule.

Detention of opposition leaders and restrictions on free speech and critics argue that proposed changes may consolidate power.

Future Plans

Doumbouya aims at establishing a transitional government ensuring a stable, inclusive government.

He promises “free, credible, and transparent” presidential and legislative elections by December 2024.

Also, he plans to diversify Guinea’s economy, focusing on agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.

Mamady vows to tackle corruption, ensuring accountability and transparency, and seeks stronger ties with ECOWAS, AU, and international partners.

Quotes

“We will not deviate from our commitment to organize free, transparent, and inclusive elections,” and “Guinea will not return to the old ways of governance” are Doumbouya favorite quotes.

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