Cape Verde: Call for Task Force to Combat Child Exploitation
The former head of Cape Verde’s child protection agency is calling for the urgent creation of a specialized task force to combat child sexual exploitation on the country’s tourist islands. The proposal comes as authorities dismantle a sprawling abuse ring on the island of Sal.
A Shield for the Vulnerable
Zaida Freitas, who led the Cape Verdean Institute for Children and Adolescents (ICCA) until September, told Lusa that the government must take proactive steps to protect minors as the nation’s tourism sector grows. She envisions a multidisciplinary task force, first proposed in the “Santa Maria Declaration” this July, as a pilot project for Sal that could eventually be expanded to the island of Boa Vista.
“If we want truly sustainable tourism, the number one rule is the protection of the most vulnerable groups,” Freitas said. “Children and adolescents are on the front line, and the risks are real.”
Breaking the Silence
The proposed task force would involve training those on the front lines of the tourism industry—including taxi drivers and tour guides—to recognize and report red flags. Freitas expressed frustration over the “culture of silence” that allowed alleged crimes to go unnoticed for years.
Referencing the ongoing “Operation Aurora,” which has targeted an organized sexual exploitation network, Freitas questioned how such activities could remain hidden on a small island. “Did no one notice anything? No neighbor, no friend, no family member?” she asked. “An organization of this nature must leave a trail.”
She emphasized that citizens do not need absolute proof to come forward. “If I have a suspicion, my duty is to report it. If I do not want to be identified, I can do it anonymously,” she added, noting that authorities, not civilians, are responsible for the investigation.
The Scars of Exploitation
The urgency follows the escalation of Operation Aurora. Since the investigation began in July 2025, Cape Verdean Judicial Police have detained 25 suspects, with 18 currently in pre-trial detention. The group is accused of child prostitution, pimping, and the sexual abuse of minors, with some victims reportedly under the age of 14.
Freitas warned that the damage extends far beyond the immediate arrests. The ICCA is currently supporting a 13-year-old victim, but Freitas stressed that authorities must also track down survivors who have since reached adulthood. “We are talking about a very serious traumatic event that leaves scars for a lifetime,” she said.
In the absence of formal community tips, the ICCA has recently resorted to monitoring social media platforms to identify potential signs of abuse and forward them to the police.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
