49 years of independent Cape Verde: 5th of July with little shine, waiting for half a century

One year away from completing half a century as a free and sovereign State, Cape Verde marks 49 years of its national independence tomorrow, with a program that barely deviates from the predictable. In the country, more specifically in the city of Praia, a formal session in Parliament, parades, decorations by the Head of State, among other public and official acts, are planned. 

History 

Like other African colonies, this archipelago became independent after several years of struggle launched by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), founded by Amílcar Cabral, Aristides Pereira and other leaders, in Bissau, in framework of a common struggle. 

The terms of independence were negotiated by PAIGC and the Portuguese State, based on a political agreement initialed in December 1974, in Lisbon, that is, eight months after the overthrow of the Salazar regime, which occurred on April 25 of that same year. At the same time, Mozambique (25 June), São Tomé and Príncipe (12 August) and Angola (11 November) would join Guinea-Bissau, whose independence had been unilaterally proclaimed, also by the PAIGC, in September 1973. 

National independence, highlights a note from the National Assembly, regarding tomorrow's anniversary, allowed Cape Verde to develop its own national and cultural identity, implement economic policies adapted to its needs and potential, as well as make significant investments in the education and health, promoting economic growth and improving the population’s quality of life. 

Therefore, it was assumed in the preamble of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic that “the proclamation of National Independence constituted one of the highest moments in the History of the Cape Verdean Nation. Factor of identity and revitalization of our condition as a people, subject to the same vicissitudes of destiny, but sharing the tenacious hope of creating on these islands the conditions for a dignified existence for all their children”.

PM celebrates with diaspora in the USA

The Prime Minister, who is in the United States of America, will celebrate the date alongside the diaspora in that country, in a series of activities that end tomorrow, July 5th, at Boston City Hall. 

The main event was a gala on the 3rd of July, where Cape Verdean citizens and institutions that stood out in their areas of activity in the USA were decorated, in recognition of their contribution to the development of Cape Verde.

Ulisses Correia e Silva was also present at other events, including the “Cabo Verde Investment Forum 2024 Boston (CVIF2024 Boston), which took place on Tuesday. Organized by Cabo Verde TradeInvest (CVTI), the event brought together international partners, decision-makers, entrepreneurs and executives to promote investments in Cape Verde. 

This was followed by the “40 under forty” Merit Gala and the “Cabo Verde Independence Festival”, both organized by the Cape Verdean Association of Boston, and which culminate, tomorrow too, with a flag raising ceremony, in front of City Hall , celebrating the 49th anniversary of Cape Verde's Independence.

For the head of the Government, the 49 years of national Independence symbolize the result of the effort and struggle of several generations, it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved in often challenging conditions.

“The celebration of Independence is a call for unity, solidarity, work and trust in the construction of a more developed Cape Verde, an aspiration of all Cape Verdeans”, he said.

Culture marks 49 years of Independence 

Exhibitions, book launches, musical concerts, in the country and in the diaspora, help to celebrate Cape Verde's 49 years of independence. Both the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister will honor various personalities and entities that over the years have helped the development of Cape Verdean culture. 

Thus, in the case of PR, the musician and composer Manuel d' Novas, author of several compositions alluding to national independence, is one of the personalities distinguished, in his case, with the Amílcar Cabral Medal. Also Alcides Brito, Daniel Rendall, the groups Koguiamo (theatre), the Kings and Os Tubarões, in music, are part of the list of José Maria Neves' honorees. 

In Mindelo, the exhibition “The doors of Macaronésia” opened on Tuesday, 2nd, at the National Center for Art, Crafts and Design (CNAD). This sample proposes a visual and historical journey through the Macaronesia region (Azores, Madeira, Cape Verde and Canaries) through its photographic legacy on common infrastructures such as ports and airports, entry and exit points of these archipelagos.

In São Filipe, on the island of Fogo, the 5th of July will be celebrated with a “civic parade” to instill the spirit of citizenship and belonging to the country in the citizens. An event that also marks the beginning of “City Week” and takes place from the 5th to the 12th of July, with the participation of young scouts, pathfinders, Nazarene youth, sports associations, schools, kindergartens, the National Police, companies, among others .  

On the same island, this time in Mosteiros, National Independence Day will be celebrated in the community of Atalaia, in the north of the municipality, with a series of cultural and sporting activities such as a futsal tournament in the under-12 and under-15 categories and competitions of athletics.

Outside the country, more specifically in Lisbon, as part of the same celebrations, the book “Amílcar Cabral e o Fim Do Império – Independência da Guiné-Bissau e Cabo Verde” by the Portuguese António Duarte Silva (see page xxx).

In the USA, the Prime Minister participates in various political, cultural and recreational activities, with the 5th of July as a backdrop. Ulisses Correia e Silva will also decorate various entities for their work on behalf of Cape Verde and Cape Verdeans.