Praia, Cape Verde – A growing outcry has erupted across Cape Verde and the African continent following reports of the degrading treatment of Nigerian citizens in the country on April 13, 2025. Citizens, activists, and civil society groups are demanding immediate action from both Cape Verdean authorities and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address what they describe as a recurring pattern of discrimination.
The incident, which involved Nigerian nationals being subjected to alleged abuse, has sparked widespread condemnation. In a strongly worded statement, Cape Verdean citizens and African allies expressed outrage, calling the treatment “unjust, discriminatory, and a betrayal of African solidarity.”
“This is not an isolated case,” the statement read. “Such degrading actions are consistently directed at Africans—never at Europeans or Americans. This must end now.”
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The coalition has issued a series of demands, including: Immediate sanctions against the officers and authorities involved in the incident, An official apology from the Cape Verdean government to the victims and Nigeria, ECOWAS intervention to ensure Cape Verde complies with regional free movement protocols, Potential travel bans on Cape Verdean officials to ECOWAS nations if corrective measures are not taken, and Structural reforms to prevent future abuses.
“We recognize that these demands may create diplomatic tensions,” the statement acknowledged. “But temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for justice. Silence only perpetuates injustice.”
The message emphasized Cape Verde’s identity as a nation built on dignity and solidarity, rejecting any actions that undermine pan-African values.
“We refuse to let our country be defined by discrimination,” the statement declared. “We stand with our Nigerian brothers and sisters and all Africans who believe in a continent united by mutual respect.”
