Cape Verde President Commits to Ratification of AU Legal Instruments, Pledges Support to Pan-African Parliament

In a significant move towards strengthening Africa’s governance, human rights, justice, and the rule of law, H.E. José Maria Neves, President of the Republic of Cape Verde, met with members of the West African Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament. The delegation, currently in Cape Verde, advocated for the ratification of African Union (AU) legal instruments aimed at promoting these crucial values across the continent.
During the audience, President Neves was briefed on the purpose and importance of the mission by the members of the Caucus. They emphasized the significance of various protocols, including the 2014 Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament (Revised Protocol of the Pan-African Parliament/Malabo Protocol), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community relating to Free Movement of Persons, Right of Residence and Right of Establishment, and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa. Currently, these protocols await ratification by Cape Verde.
While acknowledging Cape Verde’s signature and ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the leadership of the West African Caucus congratulated President Neves and urged the acceleration of implementing the AfCFTA in line with the African Union’s 2023 theme.
Expressing gratitude to the delegation for selecting Cape Verde as part of their advocacy exercise, President Neves reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to the African Union and its agenda for a more prosperous and peaceful continent. Stressing the importance of granting the Pan-African Parliament greater influence in the decision-making process, President Neves highlighted the parliament’s pivotal role within the African Union’s framework.
In a final commitment, President Neves pledged that by the next summit of the African Union in February 2024, Cape Verde would have signed, ratified, and deposited the majority of the protocols advocated by the Pan-African Parliament. He emphasized that the time has come for Africa to awaken and assume its rightful place on the global stage.
President Neves’ resolute support for the Pan-African Parliament’s mandate and his commitment to decisive action on the ratification of AU legal instruments signify Cape Verde’s dedication to upholding the principles of good governance, human rights, and the rule of law in Africa. As the nation strives to play an active role in the continent’s development, Cape Verde sets an example for others to follow, reinforcing the collective pursuit of a prosperous and unified Africa.