Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Cape Verdean President, José Maria Neves, today classified the country’s selection for another compact of the United States of America as a “great victory”, within the scope of the public development aid program, for regional economic integration.
“In addition to being very pleasant news, this is a great victory for the Cape Verdean nation as a whole and, in particular, for the Government”, wrote the head of state, in a message released by the Presidency of the Republic.
For José Maria Neves, the decision is recognition of Cape Verde’s commitment to democratic governance and the gains already achieved in achieving development and reducing poverty.
“This compact, called the ‘regional compact’, is designed to support our country in achieving development through deepening integration in the West African region ”, considered Neves, adding that he has already congratulated the Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, head of the Government supported by the Movement for Democracy (MpD), since 2016.
“And I urge all Cape Verdeans to celebrate this very good moment for our Nation and for our process of development and affirmation of Cape Verde as a Democratic Rule of Law”, he continued.
José Maria Neves was the Cape Verdean Prime Minister when the country was selected for the two previous packages (2005 and 2012), with support from the Cape Verde African Independence Party (PAICV, currently in opposition).
And he considered that the selection for the third compact is “extremely positive and encouraging news” for the archipelago, especially in the current times of crises and wars.
The President of the Republic also said that the support, the value of which has not yet been disclosed, is another “unequivocal proof of friendship, solidarity and commitment” of the United States towards the Cape Verdean people.
The decision was made at a quarterly meeting of the board of directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), held on Wednesday, in which Tanzania and the Philippines were also selected.
In 2005, the MCC, through the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), based in the city of Praia, granted the first aid package to Cape Verde, worth 84.6 million euros, which was in force until 2010, aimed at infrastructure the country.
Two years later, it provided a second financial compact, worth 50.9 million euros and valid until 2017, to improve the management of water resources and sanitation, as well as property management services.
Third US support package for Cape Verde is for regional integration – MCC
According to Lusa, the third compact from the United States of America to Cape Verde, within the scope of the public development aid program, will be for regional economic integration, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) announced today.
In a statement, that North American institution said that Cape Verde was chosen, along with Tanzania and the Philippines, at the quarterly meeting of the board of directors held on Wednesday.
The same source mentioned that the archipelago was eligible to develop a compact for the purposes of regional economic integration in West Africa, highlighting that it is a “recognition of clear commitment ” of the country with democratic governance and its significant development and poverty reduction challenges.
“With this new partnership, MCC will support Cape Verde in generating economic growth through deeper integration with the West African region”, he added.
In a note on his Facebook page, the Cape Verdean Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, said that the new package will be for five years, and expressed his commitment of the country with development.
In 2005, the MCC, through the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), based in the city of Praia, granted the first aid package to Cape Verde, worth 84.6 million euros, which was in force until 2010, aimed at infrastructure the country.
Two years later, it provided a second financial compact, worth 50.9 million euros and valid until 2017, to improve the management of water resources and sanitation, as well as property management services.
In its communication today, the MCC announced that it has also selected Tanzania and the Philippines to develop similar programs, with smaller grants, to support political and institutional reforms.
“We look forward to continuing to build on previous partnerships and working hand in hand with each country to promote the prosperity of their people”, said executive director of the MCC, Alice Albright, cited in a press release from the institution.
“The council’s selection of Cape Verde, the Philippines and Tanzania furthers the MCC’s mission to establish strong partnerships with countries that have demonstrated a commitment to democratic governance by investing in its people and economic freedom”, highlighted the director of the institution, who evaluated programs in other African countries.
The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent US government agency that works to reduce global poverty through economic growth.
Created in 2004, it provides grants and assistance for a limited time to countries that meet rigorous standards of good governance, combating corruption and respecting democratic rights.
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