Cape Verde Institutes National Prize For Regional Integration Research

29 May 2012
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Economic Community of West African States (Abuja)
press release

Cape Verde's Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Jorges Borges has announced a National Prize for the Best research work on regional integration in the ECOWAS region.

The minister made the announcement on 25th May 2012, in the nation's capital Praia, at the official launch of ECOWAS and Africa Week organised by the country as part of activities jointly marking African Union's Day 25th May and ECOWAS Day on 28th May.

At the event attended by foreign and African Ambassadors accredited to Cape Verde, officials of government and national institutions and the media, he said the prize was aimed at deepening the ideals of regional integration and particularly stimulating the interests of the new generation of West Africans in socio-economic development-related issues of the ECOWAS region.

After listing ECOWAS' achievements in the 37 years of its existence, the Minister deplored political instability, conflicts, insecurity and the proliferation of drugs in some Member States and called for the consolidation of peace, security, democracy and the rule of law within the Community.

He also called for poverty eradication, improved intra-community trade and the development of ECOWAS institutions.

Two presentations were made at the ceremony on regional integration and the consolidation of African unity by the Director General of the West African Institute, Prof. John Igue of Benin Republic and Cape Verde's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Jose Rocha, respectively.

Both speakers highlighted ECOWAS' achievements and prospects, particularly its flagship free movement protocol and stressed the need for increased political will on the part of regional leaders, and respect for the supra-national principles in the application of regional decisions.

The presentations were followed by discussions which afforded the participants better understanding of the regional integration process.

On 27th May 2012, walk and race events led by Minister Borge, were organised in Praia city.

This was followed by a football match between Cape Verde teams, Varanda and Babolacha, at the Praia stadium. Varanda won 6-5 after a penalty shoot-out.

Winners of the walk and race events, as well as Varanda and Babolacha players were presented with medals and trophies by Minister Borges, the Head of the ECOWAS National Unit Mr. Belarmino Monteiro Silva, and the ECOWAS Commission's representative, Mr. Liberor Doscof Aho.

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