President Seguro Urges CPLP to Defend Democracy
Portuguese President António José Seguro has reaffirmed Portugal’s “unwavering commitment” to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), while issuing a stern warning that the organization must stay true to its founding democratic principles amidst rising global instability.
A Call for Unity and Values
Speaking during a formal visit to the CPLP headquarters in Lisbon, President Seguro emphasized that the organization cannot afford to “lose its way” in an increasingly polarized world. His remarks, later published on the official Presidency website, stressed the importance of promoting the community’s core pillars: peace, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
“In times of instability and uncertainty, it is important to remember where we started,” Seguro stated. “We must never forget the power we have, together, to defend and promote these values both within and outside our borders.”
Navigating Regional Instability
The President’s appeal for stability comes at a precarious time for the Lusophone bloc. Guinea-Bissau remains suspended from the organization following a military coup last November. Due to this political upheaval, Timor-Leste has stepped in to assume the organization’s pro tempore presidency.
Seguro highlighted the “political-diplomatic concertation” pillar of the CPLP as vital for navigating these challenges, urging member states to use their shared history and cultural ties to reinforce international order.
The CPLP Today
The CPLP currently comprises nine member states: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Timor-Leste, and Equatorial Guinea. However, the community has faced internal friction since Equatorial Guinea’s controversial accession in 2014. Disagreements among founding members have so far prevented the central African nation from holding the rotating presidency.
President Seguro concluded his visit by describing the headquarters as the “home of Lusophony,” signaling his personal dedication to deepening the economic and social justice bonds that unite more than 250 million Portuguese speakers worldwide.
Image: Pexels – Mario Schafer
