Cape Verde President Calls for Urgent African Union Reform
Angola’s capital, Luanda, has become the epicenter of African diplomacy as Cape Verdean President José Maria Neves issued a powerful call for a “profound reform” of the African Union (AU). Speaking on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, Neves warned that the continental body must evolve or remain unable to implement its own decisions.
A Crisis of Implementation
The summit, which convened this Sunday, is dedicated exclusively to conflict prevention across Africa. However, President Neves argued that intentions mean little without the structural capacity to act. In an interview with Lusa, he emphasized that the AU is currently hampered by outdated norms and bureaucratic inertia.
“We must effectively establish a multi-level governance system at the continental level,” Neves stated. “This requires a redistribution of work between the African Union, sub-regional organizations, and individual states. These reforms involve structures, norms, and mental habits that are not easy to change, but they are essential.”
Strengthening Early Warning Systems
A primary focus of the Luanda summit is the operationalization of the “Activation Mechanism for Early Warning and Early Action.” While the concept has been under discussion for years, the continent continues to struggle with constitutional ruptures and escalating regional violence.
Neves argued that for the AU to become a “relevant political actor,” it must do more than issue statements; it must possess the ability to influence through action. “We must mobilize sufficient material, financial, and human resources to meet the needs for more concrete action on the ground,” he said.
Diplomatic Ties and Regional Growth
Beyond continental security, the summit served as a backdrop for strengthening ties between Cape Verde and Angola. Following a meeting with Angolan President and summit host João Lourenço, Neves hailed the revitalization of bilateral cooperation in tourism, defense, and transport.
A significant milestone announced during the meeting was the resumption of TAAG – Angola Airlines flights to Cape Verde. The new route, connecting Luanda to Dakar and Praia, is expected to bolster regional connectivity and foster closer economic ties between the two Lusophone nations.
An “Exclusively African” Summit
The Luanda gathering is notable for its restricted nature. Organizers emphasized that the summit is “exclusively African,” with no invitations extended to international partners for the working sessions. While the diplomatic corps will attend the closing ceremony, the core deliberations remain a closed-door affair among African leaders.
The event has drawn high-level attendance, with at least 10 heads of state, 10 prime ministers, and numerous vice presidents and ministers confirmed. The session opened with addresses from President Lourenço, AU Commission Chairperson Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, and the current AU leader, Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye.
Image: Pexels – The Silvagraph
