Schirrmacher and BΓΆhning are grateful for the conversations in Cape Verde
In Cape Verde, ISHR leaders met with President, Prime Minister, Speaker of Parliament, and other top leaders
The President of the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), Thomas Paul Schirrmacher, and the ISHR Secretary General, Matthias K. BΓΆhning, expressed their gratitude for the many opportunities for discussion in Cape Verde.
During their visit, the two human rights activists were able to see for themselves the positive development of the country and noted with pride that Cape Verde has developed into a strong parliamentary democracy.
Schirrmacher and BΓΆhning also found the many discussions with politicians and dignitaries from Cape Verde a privilege. Among the interlocutors were President JosΓ© Maria Neves and First Lady DΓ©bora KatΓsa, Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Speaker of Parliament Austelino Tavares Correia and the President of the National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship of Cape Verde (CNDHC), EurΓdice Mascarenhas, Bishop Cardinal Arlindo Gomes Furtado and Archbishop Waldemar StanisΕaw Sommertag.
The following picture gallery gives an insight into the trip and the meetings.
The Colors of the Republic of Cabo Verde flying over the Bay of Praia Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
The National Assembly in the capital Praia Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Thomas Schirrmacher walking along the Formation of Honor in front of the National Assembly on January 13, 2025 Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Solemn Commemorative Session of the National Assembly to mark the Day of Freedom and Democracy on the 13th of January β the date on which, in 1991, Cape Verdeans exercised their right to vote in the first multi-party elections, after 15 years under one-party rule. The event was attended by National Deputies, Members of the Government and Representatives of the Corps Diplomatique, International Organizations, Civil Society Organizations and Religious Confessions Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
The First Lady of Cabo Verde DΓ©bora KatΓsa Carvalho welcoming Thomas Schirrmacher at the Event Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Schirrmacher in interdenominational exchange with Cardinal Arlindo Gomes Furtado, Bishop of Santiago de Cabo Verde since 2009 Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Schirrmacher and BΓΆhning meeting Jorge Carlos Fonseca, who served as the President of Cabo Verde from 2011 to 2021, and his wife, former First Lady LΓgia Fonseca, for a cordial exchange during the festivities in the National Assembly Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
EurΓdice Mascarenhas, president of the National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship of Cabo Verde (CNDHC), gives Schirrmacher and BΓΆhning an overview of the development of the human rights situation in the island country welcoming the initiative for further cooperation Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Austelino Tavares Correia, President of the National Assembly of Cabo Verde, meeting Thomas Schirrmacher, Matthias BΓΆhning and Esther Schirrmacher for Strategic Talks on January 14, 2025 Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Correia and Schirrmacher exchanging ideas with a view to future cooperation Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
The 16th century Portuguese fortress of SΓ£o Filipe is situated on a plateau above the town centre of Cidade Velha Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
The President of Cabo Verde JosΓ© Maria Neves receiving a Delegation led by Thomas Schirrmacher and Matthias BΓΆhning on January 14, 2025. The guests express their respect and admiration for the democratic development of Capo Verde towards the head of state Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
The Presidential Palace in the historic centre of Praia Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva Prime Minister explains the basic pillars of his government program to Schirrmacher and BΓΆhning, while underlining Cabo Verdeβs role model function for other African states (January 14, 2025) Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Dona Maria Pia Lighthouse is located at the southernmost point of the Island of Santiago, near the entrance of Praia Harbour Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Archbishop Waldemar StanisΕaw Sommertag, since September 2022 serving as the Apostolic Nuncio to Senegal, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, is welcoming Thomas Schirrmacher and Matthias BΓΆhning at his residence in Dakar, Senegal (January 15, 2025) Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
Sommertag presents to Schirrmacher and BΓΆhning an insightful report on the coexistence of the various religious communities in Western Africa as well as on the current trends in religious freedom in the region Β© BQ/Martin Warnecke
