Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – Guinea-Bissau’s junta leader, Major General Horta Inta-a, has announced his self-promotion to the rank of Army General through Presidential Decree No. 03/2026, dated January 29, 2026.

According to a statement from the Presidency, released by the Office of Communication and Public Relations and obtained by The Gambia Journal, the promotion is based on what authorities described as the President’s “pertinent, continuous, and exceptional” contribution to the defense of the nation.

The note cites his role in safeguarding national security, ensuring political and institutional stability, and maintaining the balance and regular functioning of sovereign state institutions.

The document further highlights what it describes as the high performance of the transitional president in the exercise of his duties, portraying him as a unifying force for national cohesion and a key actor in the defense of democracy during the transition period.

The decree states that the decision was taken by Horta Inta-a in his capacity as President of the Republic of Transition and Supreme Commander of the Defence and Security Forces, acting as the representative of the Higher Council of National Defence.

It adds that the promotion followed a proposal from the government and consultations with the High Military Command and the Council of Chiefs of Staff.

Legally, the decree is grounded in Article 5, paragraph 3, in conjunction with point (r) of paragraph 1 of Article 4 of the Political Charter of the Transition. It also draws authority from Article 34 of the Organic Law on the Foundations of the Organization of the Armed Forces (Law No. 11/2011 of June 28).

The self-promotion comes amid an ongoing political transition, during which the military leadership continues to play a central role in state governance and national security.