The reinforcement of francophonie is also associated by local sources with the growing proximity between PR UMARO SISSOCO EMBALÓ (USE) and French authorities, in particular PR EMMANUEL MACRON (EM), since USE assumed the presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Meetings between the two have taken place, and EM officially visited Bissau in JUL.2022. The last meeting took place in FEB., on the eve of the announcement of the new French strategy in Africa. READ MORE