Colonel Doumbouya, 43, assumed control of Guinea following
the ousting of the country's first democratically elected president, Alpha
Conde, in September 2021. Initially appointed by Conde to lead the special
forces group tasked with safeguarding the head of state from potential coups,
Doumbouya later orchestrated the September 2021 coup, contributing to a series
of political upheavals in West Africa since 2020, including incidents in Mali,
Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Sworn in as president for a designated transitional
period, Doumbouya pledged to implement comprehensive reforms in Guinea, a
nation still grappling with poverty despite its abundant natural resources.
In a meeting on Tuesday, Doumbouya convened with all of
Guinea's military units, engaging with over 450 members of the Defence and
Security Forces, as highlighted by the presidency on social media. The
statement revealed that the entire Defense and Security Forces expressed their
collective desire to witness the head of state elevated to the rank of general.
Initially hesitating "in his usual humility,"
Doumbouya eventually accepted the prestigious position, as reported by the
presidency. Concurrently, he disclosed his decision to step down as commander
of the special forces group, with his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Mouctar Kaba,
poised to assume the role.
Under international scrutiny, the junta has committed to
relinquishing governmental control to elected civilians within a two-year
timeframe. However, critics from the opposition allege an authoritarian shift
within the junta's administration.
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