Cape Verde parties differ on progress in the justice system
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Expresso das Ilhas
In Cape Verde, parties set out their priorities during a parliamentary debate on the state of justice: the MpD highlighted progress over the past decade, while the PAICV pointed to slow procedures and pending cases. The UCID called for concrete measures to strengthen court capacity, according to Expresso das Ilhas.
During a debate on the state of justice in Cape Verde’s National Assembly, the Movement for Democracy (MpD), the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV) and the Cape Verdean Independent and Democratic Union (UCID) put forward differing assessments, reports Expresso das Ilhas. The MpD said the sector had made progress over the past decade, while the PAICV pointed to slow procedures and a high number of pending cases; the UCID called for concrete measures to improve the courts’ capacity.
MpD MP Carlos Monteiro said the number of judges had risen from 64 in 2016 to more than 80 in 2026. The number of serving public prosecutors had also increased, from 49 to 85. He also cited the launch of the Justice Information System in January 2025 and the online portal, which allows some procedures to be completed without travelling.
Carlos Monteiro acknowledged, however, that the courts continued to receive cases at a high rate. He called for a multi-year investment plan that would include recruiting judges and court clerks, strengthening judicial inspection and developing alternative dispute resolution methods. The MpD had previously called for judicial procedures in Cape Verde to be accelerated in an earlier proposal.
