New Book Reclaims Human Stories of Monte Txota Massacre
Ten years after a tragedy that shocked the nation, a new book launched in Praia aims to ensure that the victims of the Monte Txota massacre are never forgotten. Written by journalists Ricardino Pedro and Cristina Fernandes Ferreira, “Monte Txota – A Massacre in Cape Verde” seeks to reclaim the human stories buried beneath the headlines of the 2016 military post killings.
Beyond the Headlines: Reclaiming Lost Lives
On April 25, 2016, the Monte Txota military post on Santiago Island became the site of one of the most violent crimes in Cape Verdean history. Eleven people—eight soldiers and three civilians—were murdered by fellow soldier Manuel Ribeiro, known as “Entany.” While Ribeiro is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence, the authors believe the focus for too long has remained on the crime rather than the victims.
“We reclaimed the memory of those people, of the tragedy, and the human and emotional side,” explained co-author Ricardino Pedro during the book’s launch. “As journalists covering the event at the time, everything moved so fast. A decade later, we wanted to bring those memories to the forefront.”
A Two-Year Investigative Journey
The project took two years to complete and involved dozens of interviews. The authors’ goal was to document the “dreams, goals, and experiences” of the eleven victims, offering what they describe as a vital contribution to Cape Verde’s collective memory and national history.
The process was not without obstacles. Pedro noted that while personal testimonies were invaluable, official institutions often refused to cooperate. “Cape Verde sometimes has difficulty talking about its traumatic memories,” Pedro said, citing other tragedies like the 2015 sinking of the ship Vicente and high-profile criminal cases. “Journalists have an important role in bringing these cases back to public attention to ensure they are never repeated.”
An Incomplete Puzzle
Co-author Cristina Fernandes Ferreira highlighted that the book is an ongoing effort to understand the tragedy. While the authors were able to speak with many families, some doors remain closed. Notably, they have yet to receive authorization to interview the perpetrator, “Entany,” though they remain open to the possibility should the government grant access.
“We spoke with the families, but we couldn’t speak to everyone,” Ferreira said. “There are surely others with different experiences—like pieces yet to be placed in a puzzle.”
Published by Rosa de Porcelana, “Monte Txota – A Massacre in Cape Verde” serves as both a memorial and a call to action, encouraging the public to confront painful history rather than let it fade into silence.
Image: Pexels – Tom Fisk
