Cape Verde Foreign Minister Calls for CPLP Modernization
Cape Verde’s outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Luís Livramento, is calling for a high-level summit to redefine the mission of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), arguing that while the organization has succeeded in its initial goals, it now faces modern challenges that require a “renewed stage.”
In an interview with Lusa marking the lead-up to the organization’s 30th anniversary on July 17, Livramento offered a balanced assessment of the CPLP’s legacy. “The CPLP has had its ups and downs, but overall it has fulfilled the functions for which it was created,” he said, citing successes in promoting the Portuguese language and providing a unified global voice for its member states.
Successes in Diplomacy and Mobility
The minister highlighted the CPLP’s historical diplomatic weight, specifically its pivotal role in supporting Timor-Leste’s independence from Indonesia and navigating various political upheavals within member states. He also praised the ongoing consolidation of mobility agreements, which he believes are finally making citizens feel like “part of a community” through increased cultural and technical cooperation in health and education.
However, Livramento warned that the organization cannot afford to be complacent. He proposed a dedicated forum titled “The CPLP of the Future” to be addressed by Heads of State and Government.
Internal Friction and Economic Hurdles
Despite the diplomatic successes, the Minister did not shy away from the organization’s internal friction. He specifically pointed to concerns regarding Equatorial Guinea’s adherence to community agreements and the lack of dynamism from certain member states that participate only on a nominal, institutional level.
Economic cooperation—a key pillar for the future—is also being stifled by leadership disputes. Livramento lamented the ongoing “wars” over the leadership of the CPLP Business Confederation (CE-CPLP). A legal battle has persisted for over three years following a contested election between Cape Verdean businessman Marcos Rodrigues and Nelma Fernandes of Guinea-Bissau. “This does not encourage the business environment that should exist within the community,” Livramento stated, urging diplomatic intervention if the business agents cannot resolve the crisis themselves.
A Digital and Global Future
Looking ahead, the Minister identified three critical areas for the organization’s evolution:
- Funding: Addressing the budget shortages of the International Portuguese Language Institute (IILP) based in Praia.
- Innovation: Adapting the Portuguese language to the era of Artificial Intelligence.
- Geopolitics: Maximizing the CPLP’s unique footprint across four continents.
“Cape Verde is a staunch supporter of the CPLP,” Livramento said, describing the organization as a unique tripod spanning Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia. He noted that Cape Verde serves as a strategic bridge, positioning itself as a platform for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The interview comes as Cape Verde prepares for a transition of power. After a decade of government by the Movement for Democracy (MpD), the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) is set to take the helm. Livramento expressed confidence that the nation’s commitment to the CPLP would remain unchanged despite the political shift. “Experience with the alternation of power shows this is a peaceful issue,” he concluded.
Founded in 1996, the CPLP comprises Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.
Image: Pexels – Nadejda Bostanova
