In an exclusive interview with 2STV, Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló discussed his strategy for repositioning his country on the diplomatic scene, his relations with subregional leaders, and his role at the helm of ECOWAS. Elected in a context of crisis, he said he inherited a nation with a weakened reputation. "My ambition was to change this image internationally, and we have achieved it," he stated with conviction.

Embaló highlighted the key role of Senegal, which he described as a "brother country," in this dynamic. He recalled the historical ties between the two nations, dating back to Léopold Sédar Senghor's support for Amilcar Cabral after Guinea-Bissau's independence. "Senegal's impact was particularly notable under Wade. He and Macky Sall even contributed to paying salaries in our country," he emphasized, evoking concrete solidarity.

Asked about his relationship with Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the current Senegalese president, Embaló sought to be reassuring. "Diomaye has shown me his brotherhood, like Macky Sall before him. We often speak on the phone, sometimes late at night, and we discuss many things," he confided, hinting at a personal connection.

The Guinea-Bissau head of state also welcomed the support of other partners in his diplomatic recovery. "Besides Senegal, Nigeria has helped me a lot, as have Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal, and France," he said. Regarding Emmanuel Macron, he added: "He is a misunderstood person who sincerely enjoys helping."

As ECOWAS chairman until February 2024, Embaló has focused on stabilizing West Africa. He detailed his missions to Mali, Guinea Conakry, and Burkina Faso to ease political crises. In this capacity, he discussed his mediation in Burkina Faso, where he obtained assurances from Ibrahim Traoré that former President Blaise Compaoré would be safe if he left the country. "I called him, and he left," he said.

A staunch republican, Embaló nevertheless insisted on reaffirming his opposition to coups d'état. "I do not condone them, even though I have sought solutions to avoid bloodshed," he insisted, emphasizing his commitment to peace without compromising his principles.