Cape Verde Attends Moscow Summit, Still Condemns Ukraine War
Cape Verde’s presence at the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow does not signal a shift in its condemnation of the invasion of Ukraine, the nation’s Foreign Minister, Manuel Amante da Rosa, clarified on Monday. Addressing concerns in the capital city of Praia, the minister emphasized that the archipelago remains committed to its long-standing diplomatic principles while pursuing a policy of “active neutrality.”
Consistency Amid Global Tension
“No, it does not change,” Amante da Rosa told news agency Lusa when asked if attending the summit softened the country’s stance on the conflict. “As soon as we took office, the first thing we did was state that all commitments made by the previous government would be respected.”
The minister reminded the public that Cape Verde has consistently voted against the invasion and the annexation of Crimea in multiple United Nations resolutions. He reiterated that the nation continues to demand an end to hostilities and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
A Pragmatic Diplomatic Approach
While the previous administration boycotted the 2023 summit in protest, the current government, led by the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) since June, has opted for engagement. This year’s summit is co-chaired by the Russian Federation and the African Union (AU), currently chaired by the President of Burundi.
Amante da Rosa argued that participation is “in no way incompatible” with condemning the war. “It is a way for us to demonstrate that we prioritize dialogue and the inclusion of countries,” he said. Cape Verde is represented at the event by its permanent representative to the AU, Ambassador Domingos Mascarenhas.
Historical Ties and Future Cooperation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Cape Verde’s foreign policy is rooted in pragmatism. The government expressed openness to “finding the best way to implement a new cooperation program” with Russia, citing historical ties that date back to the support provided by the Soviet Union during Cape Verde’s independence movement.
Despite this openness to cooperation, the government remains under pressure to reconcile its presence in Moscow with its 2025 vote at the UN General Assembly, where it joined 140 other nations in demanding an immediate Russian withdrawal from Ukrainian territory. In 2023, Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva had vowed that the country would take no action that could be interpreted as support for the invasion until the war ends.
Balancing Neutrality
By attending the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit, Cape Verde aims to navigate the complex landscape of “active neutrality,” viewing the summit as a strategic venue for multilateral dialogue. However, the move highlights the delicate balancing act many African nations face as they weigh historical alliances and development needs against international law and Western diplomatic pressure.
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