US ambassador reflects on successful mission in Cape Verde

In an interview with Inforpress, Ambassador Daigle reflected on his five-year term, describing it as “fantastic” and highlighting the deepening of governmental and people-to-people ties between the US and Cape Verde.

“When I arrived in Cape Verde, I had a long list of objectives to accomplish, and I am proud to say that almost all of them have been successfully achieved,” he remarked.

One of the notable accomplishments during his tenure was the partnership program between the New Hampshire National Guard and the Cape Verdean Armed Forces, aimed at English language instruction on Sal Island.

Additionally, he mentioned the third Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact, which significantly enhanced Cape Verde’s visibility in the United States, both in business circles and within government.

Ambassador Daigle also highlighted significant high-level visits to Cape Verde during his term, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and members of the US Congress.

“During Secretary Blinken’s visit, I was particularly proud of his meeting with the Prime Minister, where he described Cape Verde as a bastion of stability in the region,” Daigle noted.

He also recalled Secretary Blinken’s tweet upon departure, acknowledging Cape Verde as one of the strongest US partners in the region.

Cape Verde, renowned for its transparency, democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights, stands as a model not only in Africa but globally, according to Ambassador Daigle.

He underscored ongoing US-Cape Verde cooperation in regional security to promote democracy and human rights worldwide, citing the enduring impact of partnerships like that between the New Hampshire National Guard and Cape Verdean forces.

In addition to security cooperation, the US has also supported Cape Verde’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing $10 million in vaccine aid and exploring avenues to aid economic recovery, particularly in the tourism sector, which was severely impacted by the pandemic.

Reflecting on Cape Verde’s adherence to international law, including the case of businessman Alex Saab, Daigle commended the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and its reputation as a reliable international partner.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Daigle urged Cape Verde to maintain its record on democracy, inclusion, and human rights, cautioning against complacency amid global challenges to these principles.

He also emphasized the country’s leadership role in addressing climate change, noting its vulnerability as a small island developing state (SIDS) and its efforts to raise awareness globally about climate impacts.

As he concludes his mission, having visited all but one of Cape Verde’s islands, Daigle expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received across the nation.

“I have always felt welcomed in Cape Verde and have relied on support from nearly everyone to expand, deepen, and strengthen relations between our two countries,” he concluded.