Cape Verde PM Pledges Stronger CPLP Ties in Lisbon Visit
Cape Verde’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Francisco Carvalho, visited the headquarters of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) in Lisbon today, pledging to strengthen ties within the Lusophone bloc. In his first official trip to Portugal since taking office in May, Carvalho emphasized a future-focused strategy rooted in historical cooperation.
Strengthening Lusophone Ties
“We are going to deepen the existing relationship between Cape Verde and the CPLP,” Carvalho told reporters. “Our goal is to ensure stability and continuity among the member states of this extraordinary community, reinforcing our cooperative efforts across the board.”
During his visit, the Prime Minister highlighted the “excellent relations” between Cape Verde and Portugal, noting that their partnership spans multiple key sectors. He described his journey to Lisbon as a symbolic gesture, honoring centuries of shared history while laying the groundwork for modernized diplomacy.
Concerns Over the Crisis in Guinea-Bissau
The Prime Minister also addressed the ongoing political instability in Guinea-Bissau, which has been under military rule since a coup on November 26, 2025. The coup disrupted the electoral process just three days after citizens went to the polls and led to Bissau’s suspension from the CPLP, the African Union, and ECOWAS.
“We will all be working together—through dialogue and consultation—to achieve what is best for the people of Guinea-Bissau,” Carvalho stated. When asked about Domingos Simões Pereira, the leader of the sister party PAIGC who was recently brought before a military court despite his civilian status, Carvalho confirmed his government is monitoring the situation closely.
Carvalho advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, stressing the need for consensus: “We must work together so that we can achieve the best possible outcomes for our brotherly people in Guinea-Bissau.”
Tragedy in Sintra
Turning to domestic concerns affecting the Cape Verdean diaspora, Carvalho expressed his profound grief over a fatal accident in Sintra on Tuesday. A Carris bus crash in the Union of Parishes of Agualva and Mira-Sintra claimed the life of a Cape Verdean citizen and one other person, leaving approximately 20 others injured. The Prime Minister offered his condolences to the victims’ families, signaling his administration’s support for the community living in Portugal.
About the CPLP
The CPLP will celebrate its 30th anniversary on July 17. The organization comprises nine member states spread across four continents: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.
Image: Pexels – damien Saillet
