The President of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, asked this Monday to speed up reforms in the Armed Forces, adapting them to maritime needs, given that almost the entire territory of Cape Verde consists of the sea.
“We have insisted on the need to accelerate progress in various areas of governance. In the case of the Armed Forces, there is an urgent need to accelerate the reform process, adapting it to the challenges of an oceanic state with enormous growth opportunities associated with the sea,” he said.
The head of state spoke at the solemn celebration of Armed Forces Day on the island of Sal.
“In this reformist process, it is vital to create space for debate” in the subregional context of “successive erosions of constitutional order,” he said, alluding to coups d’état on the African continent as well as a global scenario of wars and “weakening democratic institutions.”
“In a country like Cape Verde, where almost everything is scarce, security is a factor of competitiveness and a vital element of internal and external trust. As an ocean nation, we need predictable and flexible maritime security like bread in our mouths. , capable of taking advantage of information technologies, namely artificial intelligence, to fill existing structural gaps,” emphasized José Maria Neves.
In particular, the head of state pointed to the “need for increased investment in the Coast Guard in light of the provisions of its Strategic Development Plan,” highlighting the announced acquisition of aircraft for inspection and patient transport missions.
“We are concerned, however, that a significant number of naval assets are still inoperable, including the Guardian ship,” he added.
The deployment of naval resources and “their efficient distribution across the islands will enable effective communications” between them, as well as faster patient transport, search and rescue operations, and “better force transfer across vast expanses of water.” under national jurisdiction, exercising the power of the State where necessary at sea.”
José María Neves also recalled two events from 2023: an accident that killed eight soldiers in Serra Malagueta, Santiago Island, while carrying out a mission of public interest, and the death of a recruit after an administrative march at the Military Instruction Center of São Vicente.
“Two tragic moments” that “must become catalysts for changes in processes and procedures aimed at modernizing and adapting the military service to the demands and requirements of new times,” he concluded.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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