Mamady Doumbouya is a Guinean military officer who came to global prominence when he led the 2021 Guinean coup d’état that overthrew President Alpha Condé. He is currently serving as the President of Guinea and the Chairman of the ruling military body, the National Committee of Reconciliation and Development (CNRD), leading the country’s transition period.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Mamady Doumbouya |
| Born | March 4, 1980 (or December 5, 1984), Kankan Region, Guinea |
| Branch | Guinea Army |
| Highest Rank | General (Promoted in 2024 from Colonel) |
| Key Titles | President of Guinea (Interim); Chairman of the CNRD (2021–Present) |
| Previous Role | Commander of the Special Forces Group (GFS) (2018–2024) |
| Military Background | Former French Foreign Legionnaire |
Elite Military Career
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Foreign Legion: Doumbouya spent several years serving in the French Foreign Legion, where he achieved the rank of corporal. His service included deployments to various conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Ivory Coast, Djibouti, and the Central African Republic.
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Special Forces Leader: After returning to Guinea in 2011, he rose rapidly. In 2018, he was personally selected by then-President Alpha Condé to create and command the Special Forces Group (GFS), an elite unit intended to provide specialized security for the state.
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International Training: His career is distinguished by extensive international training in multiple countries, including France, Israel, Senegal, Gabon, and Liberia, and participation in U.S. Army training exercises. He holds a Master’s degree in defense and industrial dynamics from Université Paris 2 Panthéon-Assas.
The 2021 Coup and Interim Presidency
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The Coup: On September 5, 2021, Colonel Doumbouya led a successful military coup that deposed and detained the 83-year-old President Alpha Condé. The action came after months of rising domestic tension following Condé’s controversial constitutional change that allowed him to secure a third term in the 2020 election.
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Justification: Doumbouya and the CNRD justified the takeover by citing rampant corruption, economic mismanagement, a disregard for democratic principles, and human rights abuses under the Condé administration.
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Transitional Leader: Doumbouya was sworn in as the Interim President on October 1, 2021. He declared the dissolution of the government and constitution and promised to “refound the state” and lead the country toward “free, credible and transparent” elections.
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Promotions and Power: In 2024, Doumbouya was promoted to the rank of General. He has subsequently stepped down from his command of the GFS, reinforcing his role as the head of state and the military.
Governance and International Relations
Doumbouya’s rule has focused heavily on anti-corruption efforts and the crucial Simandou iron ore project, which his government regards as key to Guinea’s economic future. While initially facing strong condemnation and sanctions from regional bodies like ECOWAS, Guinea has maintained a less confrontational relationship with Western powers, notably France, compared to neighboring juntas.