Cape Verde Justice System Facing Severe Backlog & Shortages
Cape Verde’s justice system is grappling with a widening resource gap and a mounting backlog of cases, according to the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s latest annual report. Despite efforts to stabilize the workload, structural challenges and staffing shortages are threatening the efficiency of the nation’s legal proceedings.
A System Under Strain
The annual report for the 2025/2026 judicial year highlights a troubling reality: several judicial districts are currently operating with just a single magistrate. This lack of personnel, combined with operational limitations, has led to a reversal of the downward trend in pending cases that had been observed since 2017.
Over the last judicial year, the Public Prosecutor’s Office managed a total of 87,710 cases nationwide. Of these, nearly 64,000 were carried over from previous years, while 23,735 were new filings. The backlog increased by 175 cases compared to the prior year, resulting in a global resolution rate of just 26.9%.
Praia: The Epicenter of the Backlog
The Judicial District of Praia remains the primary “pressure point” for the country’s justice system. The capital city accounts for a staggering 46% of all new filings and 76% of the entire nation’s pending proceedings. While Praia also managed to resolve 49% of the country’s total closed cases, the sheer volume continues to overwhelm local resources.
Roadmap for Reform
To combat these systemic delays, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has outlined several key priorities for the 2026/2027 judicial year. The focus will be on reducing the backlog through a strategic redistribution of human resources and a push for technological modernization.
Key objectives for the coming year include:
- Staffing: Reinforcing and redistributing magistrates and support staff to high-pressure districts.
- Technology: Consolidating the Justice Information System to streamline case management.
- Infrastructure: Improving physical facilities and operating conditions for legal professionals.
- Support: Strengthening criminal police bodies to assist in investigations and evidence gathering.
Without significant investment in these areas, officials warn that the judicial system will continue to struggle under the weight of an ever-growing caseload.
Image: Pexels – Boko Shots
