In a statement, ECOWAS said the engagement underscores its “continued commitment to accompanying member states in the promotion of peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive electoral processes.”
The Economic Community of West African States has held high-level consultations with José Maria Neves as part of efforts to support peaceful elections in Cabo Verde.
The meeting, which took place in the capital Praia on 15 May, comes just days before the country’s legislative elections scheduled for 17 May 2026. It forms part of ECOWAS’ Election Observation Mission aimed at ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.
A delegation of senior officials from the ECOWAS Commission met President Neves during what the regional bloc described as “preventive diplomacy efforts” to strengthen democratic governance and constitutional order across member states.
The delegation included Abdou Kolley, Chief of Staff to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Dr Babatunde Afolabi, Director of Political Affairs, representing the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah. Other members were Ambassador Berenice Bankole, Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe Jr., and ECOWAS Resident Representative in Cabo Verde, Kelly Lopes.
In a statement, ECOWAS said the engagement underscores its “continued commitment to accompanying member states in the promotion of peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive electoral processes.
President Neves welcomed the mission, reaffirming Cabo Verde’s commitment to democratic principles and peaceful elections. The country is widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
The ECOWAS mission is expected to continue consultations with key stakeholders, including electoral authorities and civil society groups, ahead of the vote.
