(Ecofin Agency) - The French President, Emmanuel Macron, sent on November 30, a letter of congratulations to his counterpart in Guinea, Alpha Condé, for his victory in the presidential election of October 18, 2020.

"Following the confirmation by the Constitutional Council of your re-election to the Presidency of the Republic of Guinea, I send you and the Guinean people my best wishes of success," the French President wrote, according to local media.

Regarding bilateral relations between France and Guinea, Emmanuel Macron indicates that "the relationship between our two countries, which is long-standing, is resolutely inscribed in a shared destiny. France will continue to stand by the Guinean people for the economic and social development of the country.”

These belated congratulations seem to initiate a kind of appeasement in the relations between Paris and Conakry. Indeed the relationship between the two countries had become tense in the wake of the violence that followed the presidential election in Guinea, whose transparency had been questioned by the European Union and the United States.

In a recent interview with Jeune Afrique, the French president openly criticized his Guinean counterpart, accusing him of amending the constitution to stay in power.

"Alpha Condé organized a referendum and reviewed the constitution just to remain in power. That is why I have not sent him a congratulatory letter yet," Emmanuel Macron had said.

These words were welcomed by the main opponent, Cellou Dalein Diallo, who is still claiming victory in this presidential election. "President Emmanuel Macron admits that Alpha Conde organized a review of the Constitution with the sole aim of staying in power. France recognizes the seriousness of the situation in Guinea. Thank you for this support for democracy," he said.

No reaction from the Guinean opposition has so far been recorded regarding Mr. Macron's congratulatory letter.

Borgia Kobri