On November 5, 2026, Cabo Verde's Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho addressed the nation regarding the recent arrests made in Operation "Shark" by the Judicial Police (PJ). The operation resulted in the detention of over 20 suspects allegedly involved in a transnational criminal organization engaged in drug trafficking and money laundering. Carvalho called for calm, emphasizing the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law and the separation of powers.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his conviction that justice should function freely and autonomously, without any external pressure. This statement comes after Minister of Internal Administration Carlos Sena sparked controversy by questioning the delayed action on wiretaps from 2016 and 2017, which only led to arrests in 2026. Carvalho's remarks aim to reassure the public of the government's stance on judicial independence.
The arrests made on November 3, 2026, included 17 men and three women, who were presented to the court on November 3 and began being heard by a judge on November 4. Among the detainees is Odair Carvalho, the director of the Agostinho Neto University Hospital, the largest hospital in the country. The hospital's operations will continue normally, Carvalho assured, dispelling concerns about potential disruptions to healthcare services.
The Association of Magistrates of the Public Prosecution of Cabo Verde (ASSIMP) responded to Minister Sena's statements, repudiating any attempts by the political power to interfere with or publicly question the judicial process. The union emphasized the importance of respecting judicial autonomy. Similarly, the main opposition party, the Movement for Democracy (MpD), expressed concern over Sena's statements, calling for respect for the separation of powers and the technical and tactical autonomy of the PJ.
The Operation "Shark" judicial warrant, signed by Prosecutor Nilton Moniz, reveals an unprecedented level of infiltration within customs services, police forces, prisons, and the public health sector. The suspects were detained on charges of drug trafficking and other crimes, according to the Cabo Verdean scientific police. The operation signifies a major crackdown on transnational criminal activities.
The MpD party views the government's insinuations about potential political interference in the PJ as serious and unwarranted. They stress the need for the government to respect the autonomy of the judiciary and the PJ. The party's concerns reflect broader implications for governance and the rule of law in Cabo Verde.
As the situation continues to unfold, the government's actions and statements will be closely watched for their impact on judicial independence and the fight against organized crime in Cabo Verde. The Prime Minister's assurance of calm and commitment to judicial autonomy aims to stabilize the situation, but the effectiveness of Operation "Shark" and future actions will depend on maintaining the separation of powers and upholding the rule of law.
Key points
- The Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, Francisco Carvalho, has called for calm amid the arrests made in Operation "Shark", emphasizing the government's commitment to judicial independence.
- Over 20 suspects were detained in connection with a transnational criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.
- The arrests have sparked concerns about judicial independence and the separation of powers in Cabo Verde.
