The African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) successfully concluded a three-day advocacy and sensitization mission to the Republic of Cabo Verde, from January 8th to 10th, 2025. The mission aimed to encourage Cabo Verde to ratify the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).
The AUABC delegation, led by Chairperson Hon. Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, engaged with various key government officials and institutions, including the Minister of Justice, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the National Directorate of the Judicial Police (CNPJ), the President of the Superior Council of the Judiciary, the Attorney General, the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, the President of the Court of Auditors and the Corruption Prevention Council, the National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship, the Ombudsman, and the State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During discussions with the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, the delegation learned about Cabo Verde's robust judicial system, which actively tracks case execution by judges and magistrates, leading to increased efficiency in the past two years. The judiciary maintains strong working relationships with other state agencies and enjoys independence. The AUABC commended these efforts and emphasized the importance of AUCPCC ratification for wider continental learning.
The Minister of Justice highlighted Cabo Verde's extensive legislative framework against corruption, including laws to criminalize corruption, human trafficking, asset recovery, and illicit financial flows. The country has also established an office dedicated to combating money laundering. The Minister expressed commitment to fast-tracking the ratification process and celebrating African Anti-Corruption Day in 2025. The AUABC noted that Cabo Verde has already implemented many AUCPCC articles despite not yet ratifying the Convention.
The State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Cabo Verde's commitment to fighting corruption and acknowledged their status as a signatory and State Party to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). A commitment was given to sign the AUCPCC at the upcoming February 2025 Executive Council Session, demonstrating eagerness to join other AU Member States. The AUABC Executive Secretary clarified that upon ratification, State Parties designate a Focal Point, often a National Anti-Corruption Agency (NACA), with whom the AUABC closely collaborates for information exchange and through events like the African Anti-Corruption Day and Dialogue.
Cabo Verde Officials affirmed their commitment to supporting the ratification process. The Minister of Justice and the State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the AUABC of Cabo Verde's commitment to fast-tracking the signature as a crucial first step, followed by eventual ratification once internal processes were concluded.
This successful advocacy mission marks a significant step towards Cabo Verde joining the collective African effort to prevent and combat corruption, reinforcing the continent's commitment to good governance and accountability.
