The annual debate on the Situation of Justice has commenced in Cabo Verde's National Assembly, with expectations of a similar assessment to previous years. The country's justice system continues to face challenges, including increasing pendencies and persistent morosidade. Despite investments made, there has been no significant improvement in productivity or public satisfaction. Instead, there is a growing sense of distrust in the justice system, fueled by attempts to discredit the judiciary and magistrates.
The lack of tangible progress has led to increased skepticism about the effectiveness of the justice system. Various stakeholders have expressed concerns about the system's legitimacy, citing issues such as "expired" mandates of magistrates and prosecutors. There are also concerns about attempts to undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law. The independence of the judiciary is seen as a crucial safeguard against these threats.
To address these challenges, significant investments have been made in the justice system, including the recruitment of more magistrates and staff, improved salaries, and better facilities. However, the results have been disappointing, with productivity declining by 77% between 2024 and 2025 and 56% between 2025 and 2026. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of these investments and the need for greater accountability and institutional commitment to public service.
Another critical issue is the delayed implementation of the judicial inspection system. Despite being established by law in 2019, it wasn't until 2025 that an inspector superior judicial was appointed, seven years after the law was passed. This system is essential for monitoring the performance of judges and identifying areas for improvement. Its delayed implementation has raised concerns about the prioritization of resources and the commitment to improving the justice system.
The challenges facing Cabo Verde's justice system are not unique, with similar issues affecting other democracies. In Portugal, for example, a recent study by Nuno Palma and Nobel laureate James A. Robinson found that the slow pace of justice contributes to low productivity and negatively impacts economic growth. The study suggested that improving the efficiency of the justice system could help Portugal converge with the rest of Europe.
The importance of an effective justice system cannot be overstated. In Cabo Verde, which has experienced growth rates of around 5-6% driven by tourism, remittances, and domestic demand, a more efficient justice system is crucial for sustaining economic growth and attracting foreign investment. The government and parliament must prioritize these issues to ensure a more efficient and effective justice system.
Unfortunately, the current debate in the National Assembly is expected to focus on Transparency and Governance, which may not address the most pressing issues facing the country. With the election of a new government, there is a need for a more focused approach to addressing the country's challenges, including energy and water security, and ensuring a sustainable future. A more effective justice system is critical to achieving these goals.
Key points
- Cabo Verde's justice system faces significant challenges, including increasing pendencies and persistent morosidade.
- The country's justice system requires greater accountability, institutional commitment, and investment to improve productivity and public satisfaction.
- A more efficient justice system is crucial for sustaining economic growth, attracting foreign investment, and ensuring a sustainable future for Cabo Verde.
