The diplomatic tour of the French president, which began on Monday 25 July 2022 in Cameroon, reached its climax on Thursday 28 July 2022 in Guinea Bissau by Sissoco Embalo. On his last day in Africa, the President of the Elysée Palace did not fail to renew his dedication and support to Guinea, and his firm commitment to help former French colonies. Macron made this known on Thursday during a joint press conference with the Guinean president.
After a tour that took off from Paul Biya’s Cameroon via Patrice Talon’s Benin, Macron finally fell on Guinea-Bissau where he ended his trip to Africa. Indeed, since Guinea-Bissau gained independence in 1960, this is the first time that a tenant of the Elysée Palace has set foot on Guinean soil. The main purpose of this visit is to allow the two heads of state to discuss the ills that plague Guinean society. But also to see to what extent it can help the people to eradicate the great evil that plagues most African countries, namely terrorism.
Outstanding support
In addition, the two presidents’ discussions focused more on current African issues, including the jihadist attacks. By the way, Emmanuel Macron reiterated his commitment to the fight against terrorism through “support to the armies (training, equipment, accompaniment…)”. He insists that only a good strategy can be effective in the face of growing terrorist groups.
Current president of ECOWAS, Sissoco Embalo wants to invite Macron to the next summit of the sub regional organisation. Moreover, Umaro Sisssoco wants to mediate with the Malian junta in order to calm the existing tension between France and Mali “I will be there to discuss with our Malian brothers, I think we will find an agreement, it is very important that we end the transition”, says Sissoco.
The idea of a future joint initiative
Furthermore, the Guinean president submits his initiative on the establishment of an anti-putsch force and the opportunity for France to renew its financial aid and the promise of the French president by 2023 to create a French school in Guinea-Bissau. It should be noted that during this last visit, Macron did not fail to invite Africans through the three countries visited by the threat posed by Russia to the world and especially to Africa where it is felt in these times.
Thierry Hounyè (stag)
