OBSERVARE

Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17 N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026

EDITORIAL

FRANCISCO LEANDRO

fleandro@um.edu.mo

He earned a PhD in Political Science and International Relations from the Portuguese Catholic

University in 2010. He is currently Associate Professor with Habilitation in International Relations

(2022) at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau (China), where he also serves as

Deputy Director of the Institute for Global and Public Affairs. His research focuses on

international relations, geopolitics, global governance, China–Global South relations, and

Lusophone studies. Among his recent publications are Is China a Global Power? (Palgrave

Macmillan, 2025) and The Palgrave Handbook on the Geopolitics of Brazil and the South Atlantic

(Palgrave Macmillan, 2025). Francisco Leandro is affiliated with the IPRI-NOVA and OBSERVARE,

the research Centre for International Relations at the Autonomous University of Lisbon, Portugal.

His academic work is characterized by an interdisciplinary and policy-oriented approach, with

particular emphasis on the evolving dynamics between China, the Global South, and the

Portuguese-speaking world. In 2026, he was awarded the prestigious Senior Fellowship of

Advance HE (PR330507) in recognition of his sustained leadership, strategic influence, and

demonstrated impact on teaching, learning, and higher education development.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1443-5828

ANABELA SANTIAGO

anabela_santiago@iscte-iul.pt

She has a PhD in Public Policies from University of Aveiro (Portugal). She is currently invited

assistant lecturer at ISCTE in Transversal Skills Lab. Researcher at Centre for International

Studies (CEI/ Iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa). External researcher at GOVCOPP research

unit (Governance, Competitiveness and Public Policies) of the Department of Social Sciences,

Politics and Territory of the University of Aveiro. Speaker in national and international

conferences and congresses with communications linked to Public Administration, Public Health

Policies and to the topic of collaborative governance, and scientific diplomacy. Member of COST

Action SiDnet - Science in Diplomacy Network working groups, developing a new line of research

linked to the EU's activities in terms of scientific diplomacy with partners in the Global South

(Africa, Asia, and Latin America). https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3897-0323

JOÃO VELOSO

jveloso@letras.up.pt

He is Full Professor of Linguistics at the University of Porto (Portugal). From 2023 to 2026, he

served as Head of the Department of Portuguese at the University of Macau, China. He is a

permanent researcher at the Centre of Linguistics of the University of Porto and is also affiliated

with the Centre for Linguistics and the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Macau.

His research primarily focuses on Portuguese phonology, with particular emphasis on the

organization of the language’s segmental and prosodic systems, including phonological

primitives, the interaction between elements and segments, syllable weight, and word-stress

assignment. His broader research interests encompass language typology, the history of

linguistics, phonology-phonetics and phonology-morphology interfaces, linguistic variation,

language acquisition and processing, and language policy. Professor Veloso is the author or co-

author of more than one hundred scholarly publications, including books, book chapters, journal

articles, and conference proceedings. He has served as principal investigator or co-investigator in

numerous national and international research projects in linguistics and higher education

teaching innovation. Between 2009 and 2022, he coordinated the Centre of Linguistics of the

University of Porto. From 2018 to 2022, he also served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Pro-Rector) of

the University of Porto, contributing to the institution’s strategic development in both academic

and research domains. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5070-8838

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

How to cite this editorial

Leandro, Francisco, Santiago, Anabela & Veloso, João (2026). Editorial, From Colonial Rule to

Nationhood: Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa. Janus.net, e-journal of international

relations. Thematic Dossier – Geopolitics of Anxiety: Ideology, Identity, and (Un)Bordering in

Contemporary Europe and Asia, VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4, October 2026, pp. 3-14.

https://doi.org/10.26619/1647-7251.DT0726ED.

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

FROM COLONIAL RULE TO NATIONHOOD: AMÍLCAR CABRAL

AND THE BIRTH OF LUSOPHONE AFRICA

FRANCISCO LEANDRO

ANABELA SANTIAGO

JOÃO VELOSO

Why a special edition on Amilcar Cabral?

The year 2025 marked five decades since the formal independence of the Portuguese-

speaking countries in Africa. While each liberation movement reflected the unique

historical, political, and cultural context of its nation, they shared common ideological

foundations, aspirations, and strategic approaches. Central to this shared trajectory was

Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973) - a visionary leader whose rare ability to combine theory

and practice, and to integrate insights from engineering, politics, economics, diplomacy,

and literature, played a pivotal role in uniting liberation movements and articulating a

vision for a more equitable international order. His commitment to self-determination,

cultural emancipation, social justice, and people-centred development not only shaped

the struggles for independence in Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde but also influenced

broader anti-colonial movements across Africa and the Global South.

Amílcar Cabral deserves a special edition of E-JANUS: Journal of International Relations

because his intellectual, political, and diplomatic legacy continues to inform some of the

most important debates in international relations, development studies, African studies,

leadership studies, and post-colonial scholarship. More than five decades after his

assassination in 1973, Cabral remains a uniquely interdisciplinary figure whose ideas

transcend geographical and temporal boundaries. His reflections on sovereignty, cultural

identity, national liberation, and international solidarity remain highly relevant for

contemporary leaders of the Global South seeking to navigate persistent challenges of

dependency, inequality, external intervention, and geopolitical competition. At a time

when emerging powers are striving to increase their agency within an evolving

international system, Cabral’s emphasis on strategic autonomy, ethical leadership,

human dignity, and South–South cooperation continues to offer valuable insights for

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

policymakers, diplomats, and scholars alike. His enduring relevance lies not only in his

role as an architect of decolonization but also as a thinker whose ideas speak directly to

contemporary efforts to build more inclusive, equitable, and representative forms of

global governance.

As the principal architect of the liberation struggles of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde,

Cabral offered a sophisticated understanding of self-determination, sovereignty, and

anti-colonial resistance that challenged dominant international hierarchies. His

contributions to Pan-Africanism helped connect local struggles for independence to

broader continental and global movements for justice and emancipation. At the same

time, his writings on culture and liberation have become foundational references in post-

colonial studies, influencing generations of scholars examining identity, resistance, and

the legacies of empire.

Cabral’s significance extends beyond politics. With a background in agricultural

engineering, he brought scientific insight to the challenges of development, rural

transformation, and economic modernization. As a diplomat, he successfully

internationalized the cause of national liberation, securing political, diplomatic, and

material support across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. His advocacy for the

active participation of women in liberation movements also offers important insights for

contemporary gender studies and the study of inclusive political leadership.

Beyond his historical role, Cabral should be studied as a core thinker in all Higher

Education programs in International Relations. His writings and political practice provide

a unique bridge between theories of sovereignty, self-determination, diplomacy,

development, leadership, and international cooperation. Unlike many canonical thinkers

in International Relations, Cabral approached global politics from the perspective of the

colonized world, offering critical insights into power asymmetries, cultural domination,

national liberation, and the agency of smaller states in the international system. His work

enriches both traditional and critical approaches to International Relations by

demonstrating how culture, identity, economics, and political mobilization interact in the

pursuit of international legitimacy and statehood. Studying Cabral therefore helps

diversify the discipline beyond its predominantly Western intellectual foundations and

contributes to a more inclusive and representative understanding of global affairs.

A special edition dedicated to Cabral would therefore provide a timely platform to

reassess his enduring relevance in a world marked by persistent inequalities, struggles

for self-determination, and renewed efforts to amplify Global South perspectives in

international affairs. His life and work remain indispensable for understanding both the

history and the future of global politics. More than an architect of decolonization, Cabral

was a scholar-practitioner whose ideas continue to inspire political leaders, diplomats,

policymakers, and researchers seeking to build a more equitable, plural, and democratic

international order.

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

What are the origins of the research featured in this special edition?

This special edition is the direct outcome of the international seminar “Amílcar Cabral:

Revolutionary Poet and International Political Figure”, held at the University of Macau

(China) on 6 November 2025. Jointly organized by the Department of Portuguese of the

Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the Department of Governance and Public Administration

of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and supported by the Institute for Global and Public

Affairs, the event commemorated two historic landmarks: the centenary of Amílcar

Cabral’s birth and the fiftieth anniversary of independence in several Portuguese-

speaking African countries.

The seminar brought together scholars from the Macao SAR, Mainland China,

Mozambique, Cabo Verde, Brazil, and Portugal to reflect on Cabral’s enduring intellectual,

political, and cultural legacy. Through discussions spanning literature, poetry, language,

political economy, leadership, diplomacy, and regional politics, participants highlighted

the continuing relevance of Cabral’s thought for understanding contemporary challenges

facing the Global South. Particular attention was devoted to the relationship between

language, identity, and liberation, themes that occupied a central place in Cabral’s

reflections on culture as both a site of resistance and a foundation for nation-building.

The seminar also explored the contemporary significance of language policies in

multilingual and postcolonial societies, examining how linguistic choices continue to

shape educational opportunities, cultural preservation, social inclusion, and political

participation. A particularly distinctive feature of the event was the multilingual

engagement with Cabral’s poetry, which was declaimed and discussed in both Portuguese

and Chinese, symbolizing the spirit of intercultural dialogue that characterized the

gathering and underscoring the role of language as a bridge between diverse historical

and cultural experiences.

The contributions assembled in this volume build upon the rich exchanges initiated during

the seminar. Together, they demonstrate the breadth of Cabral’s influence as a

revolutionary leader, writer, diplomat, strategist, and theorist of liberation. By bringing

these perspectives into dialogue, this special issue seeks not only to honour Cabral’s

legacy but also to advance scholarly debates on decolonization, self-determination, Pan-

Africanism, cultural identity, language policy, multilingualism, and international relations

in the twenty-first century. In highlighting the intersections between language, identity

formation, and political emancipation, the volume further explores questions that remain

highly relevant to contemporary societies navigating the tensions between national

cohesion, cultural diversity, and globalization. In this sense, the publication stands as

both a tribute to Cabral’s enduring relevance and a testament to the University of Macau’s

commitment to fostering research and dialogue across cultures, regions, languages, and

disciplines.

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

Amílcar Cabral remains one of the most influential intellectuals and

revolutionaries of the twentieth century

Amílcar Cabral remains one of the most influential intellectuals and revolutionaries of the

twentieth century. His legacy transcends his role as the leader of the independence

struggle of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde, revealing a remarkably multi-layered figure

whose contributions continue to shape Pan-Africanism, post-colonial studies,

development thinking, and gender scholarship.

As a politician and revolutionary strategist, Cabral successfully united diverse ethnic and

social groups under the banner of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and

Cabo Verde (PAIGC), demonstrating that national liberation required both military

resistance and political education. His vision of freedom extended beyond independence,

emphasizing social justice, cultural dignity, and inclusive nation-building. As a leading

Pan-African thinker, he advocated solidarity among African peoples while recognizing the

importance of local histories and identities, helping to bridge continental aspirations with

national realities.

Cabral was also a trained agricultural engineer, whose scientific expertise informed his

understanding of rural economies and peasant societies. His analyses of land use,

agricultural production, and social structures contributed to a sophisticated

understanding of development and economic transformation. As an economist, he

recognized the centrality of productive capacity and self-reliance in overcoming colonial

dependency.

Although Amílcar Cabral is most widely recognized as a revolutionary leader, diplomat,

and theorist of national liberation, his poetry constitutes an indispensable dimension of

his intellectual legacy. Composed primarily during his formative years, his poems offer

profound insights into the emotional, cultural, and human sensibilities underpinning his

later political thought. Far from being a peripheral aspect of his work, Cabral’s poetry

served as an early vehicle through which he articulated the aspirations, anxieties, and

dreams of colonized peoples. In doing so, it anticipated many of the themes that would

later define his contributions to anti-colonial theory, national liberation, cultural

resistance, and human emancipation.

The significance of Cabral’s poetic oeuvre lies in its ability to bridge cultural identity and

political liberation. Through evocative imagery and reflections on exile, homeland,

dignity, memory, and resistance, he advanced a vision of freedom that extended beyond

the achievement of formal independence to encompass cultural renewal and collective

self-discovery. In his poem “Regresso”, Cabral captures the enduring bonds between

people and homeland, invoking hope and belonging in the lines: “A chuva amiga já falou

mantenha / e bate dentro de meu coração” (“The friendly rain has already spoken softly

/ and beats within my heart”) (Cabral, 2019). These verses convey a deep emotional

attachment to place, while simultaneously expressing a yearning for national and cultural

rebirth.

Equally compelling is his celebrated poem “Quem é que não se lembra”, where the

personal and the political converge in a powerful affirmation of collective struggle: “Meu

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

grito de revolta fez vibrar os peitos de todos os Homens, / Confraternizou todos os

Homens e transformou a Vida” (“My cry of revolt made the breasts of all men vibrate,

fraternized all men and transformed life”) (Cabral, 2019). Here, poetry becomes an

instrument of solidarity, transcending borders and affirming a shared humanity united in

the pursuit of freedom and justice.

These poems demonstrate how Cabral employed literature not merely as artistic

expression but as a form of cultural affirmation and political intervention. His poetry

remains a rich source for literary criticism, post-colonial studies, Pan-Africanism, and

cultural diplomacy, illustrating the transformative power of language in challenging

domination and nurturing collective consciousness.

Equally significant was Cabral’s role as a writer and public intellectual. Through his

essays, speeches, and theoretical reflections, he produced a body of work that remains

foundational to post-colonial scholarship. His influential concept of the “return to the

source” emphasized the centrality of culture in resisting colonial domination and

reclaiming historical agency. Moreover, from a gender studies perspective, Cabral’s

advocacy for the active participation of women in liberation movements challenged

entrenched social hierarchies and recognized women as indispensable political actors in

processes of national emancipation and social transformation.

Cabral’s achievements as a diplomat were no less remarkable. At a time when many

African liberation movements struggled to gain international recognition, he successfully

transformed the struggle of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde into a global cause. Through

engagements with the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, socialist

countries, Nordic governments, and solidarity networks across Europe and the Americas,

he positioned the PAIGC as a legitimate representative of colonized peoples. His

diplomatic efforts helped elevate the principle of self-determination from an abstract legal

norm into a concrete political right for millions living under colonial rule. By linking anti-

colonial struggles to broader debates about human dignity, racial equality, and

international justice, Cabral contributed significantly to the development of a global

decolonization agenda. His speeches consistently emphasized that liberation was not

merely the transfer of political power but the restoration of human agency. As he

famously argued, “National liberation is necessarily an act of culture” (Cabral, 1973, p.

43), underscoring the inseparable relationship between political sovereignty and cultural

emancipation. His diplomatic vision continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of

sovereignty, development, and Global South cooperation.

The statehood in Lusophone Africa cannot be understood without

examining the life and legacy of Amílcar Cabral

The transition from colonial rule to independent statehood in Lusophone Africa cannot be

understood without examining the life and legacy of Amílcar Cabral. As the principal

leader of the struggle for the liberation of Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde, Cabral emerged

as one of the most influential architects of African decolonization. His vision extended

beyond the attainment of political independence, emphasizing the creation of inclusive,

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

sovereign, and culturally grounded nations capable of overcoming the legacies of colonial

domination (Cabral, 1973).

Cabral understood colonialism not merely as a system of political control but also as a

mechanism of economic exploitation, social inequality, and cultural subjugation.

Consequently, he argued that genuine liberation required both the recovery of political

sovereignty and the reaffirmation of cultural identity. Through the African Party for the

Independence of Guinea and Cabo Verde, he developed a liberation movement that

successfully combined armed resistance with political education, social mobilization, and

institution-building (Cabral, 1973; Chabal, 1983). This innovative approach enabled

governance structures, schools, health services, and local administrative systems to

emerge in liberated territories even before formal independence was secured.

Cabral’s influence extended far beyond Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde. His thought and

leadership inspired anti-colonial movements throughout Lusophone Africa, including

those in Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe. His advocacy of self-

determination, social justice, and Pan-African solidarity contributed significantly to the

political foundations of the Portuguese-speaking African states that achieved

independence during the 1970s (Davidson, 1981). By linking national liberation to human

dignity, cultural emancipation, and socioeconomic development, Cabral provided an

enduring blueprint for nation-building in post-colonial Africa.

The birth of Lusophone Africa was therefore not simply the end of Portuguese colonialism;

it was the realization of a transformative political and cultural project in which Amílcar

Cabral played a central role. More than five decades after his death, his ideas continue

to offer valuable insights into state-building, identity, sovereignty, and development

across the Global South (Cabral, 1973; Chabal, 1983).

The Structure of this Special Edition

This structure provides an intellectual progression that reflects the interconnected nature

of contemporary social, cultural, environmental, and political challenges while also

resonating with the intellectual and political legacy of Amílcar Cabral. The 2026 special

edition features peer reviewed contributions from 22 authors (14 men and 8 women),

the majority of whom are affiliated with universities and other public institutions,

reflecting a diverse yet interconnected scholarly community. As one of the most

influential anti-colonial thinkers of the twentieth century, Cabral emphasised the

importance of culture, language, historical consciousness, and political agency in

struggles for liberation and social transformation. His reflections on national identity,

cultural resistance, self-determination, and the reconstruction of post-colonial societies

constitute a unifying conceptual framework for the contributions presented here. The

articles highlight the continuing relevance of Cabral’s intellectual legacy for contemporary

debates on governance, education, culture, environment, and social change across the

Global South and beyond.

Beginning with linguistic citizenship, language, linguistics, and discourses, this special

edition highlights the fundamental role of language in shaping knowledge,

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

communicating ideas, constructing identities, and mediating power relations. By

examining linguistic practices and discursive formations, this section establishes a

foundation for understanding how individuals and communities interpret and engage with

the world around them. In the spirit of Cabral's recognition of culture and communication

as essential instruments of consciousness, emancipation, and revolutionary

transformation, these contributions explore how language serves both as a repository of

collective memory and as a site of social and political contestation. They further

demonstrate how linguistic practices can challenge systems of domination, reclaim

silenced histories, mobilize collective agency, and contribute to processes of

decolonization. From this perspective, language is not merely a medium of expression

but a revolutionary force capable of fostering critical awareness, resisting oppression,

and advancing projects of social justice and self-determination.

Building on this foundation, the focus shifts to culture and identity, exploring the ways in

which cultural representations, social practices, and collective experiences contribute to

the formation of individual and collective identities. This section emphasises the dynamic

and often contested nature of belonging, particularly within contexts marked by

migration, globalisation, and cultural exchange. Together, the first two sections

illuminate the relationship between language, meaning-making, and the construction of

social realities. They also echo Cabral's conviction that culture constitutes a source of

resistance, dignity, and collective mobilisation, particularly in societies shaped by colonial

domination and post-colonial transformation.

The discussion then expands to address climate debates, recognising environmental

issues as not only scientific and economic concerns but also social, cultural, and political

phenomena. By analysing how climate change is discussed, represented, and contested

in public, institutional, and community settings, the special edition highlights the role of

narratives, communication, and power in shaping responses to one of the defining

challenges of our time. In this regard, the contributions engage with broader questions

of equity, sustainable development, and social justice that remain highly relevant to

many communities across the Global South, whose experiences continue to reflect

concerns that were central to Cabral's vision of development rooted in the needs and

aspirations of local populations.

From environmental futures, the volume turns to the politics of memory, examining how

historical events are remembered, commemorated, and interpreted. Memory practices

influence collective identities, political legitimacy, and social cohesion, while also

revealing tensions surrounding historical justice, reconciliation, and competing narratives

of the past. This topic underlines the importance of understanding how societies negotiate

historical legacies in the present. Such concerns are particularly significant in relation to

Cabral's enduring place in collective memory, where his political thought, revolutionary

leadership, and vision of liberation continue to inspire debates about history, nation-

building, and social transformation in Lusophone Africa and beyond.

The final theme focuses on peace processes, sovereignty, and the legacies of colonial

rule, addressing the enduring impact of colonial structures on contemporary political,

social, and cultural realities. Through post-colonial and decolonial perspectives,

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Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

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Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

contributors explore questions of self-determination, state-building, peacebuilding,

governance, and historical redress. By examining both continuities and transformations

in post-colonial contexts, this section offers critical insights into ongoing struggles for

justice, recognition, and inclusive development. These themes directly engage with many

of the issues that shaped Cabral's intellectual and political project, particularly his

commitment to national liberation, political sovereignty, social inclusion, and the creation

of societies capable of overcoming the structural inequalities inherited from colonial rule.

This special edition adopts a multidisciplinary approach that bridges the humanities and

social sciences while paying tribute to the continuing relevance of Amílcar Cabral's legacy.

It demonstrates how language, culture, environmental debates, memory, and political

processes are deeply interconnected, offering readers a comprehensive framework for

understanding contemporary global challenges and the diverse ways in which societies

negotiate identity, history, power, and change in an increasingly interconnected world.

More broadly, the collection underscores the enduring significance of Cabral's insights for

contemporary debates on decolonisation, justice, development, and the transformative

potential of culture and collective action.

This special edition would not have been possible without the

invaluable support and dedication of our reviewers

This special edition is the result of a collective effort, and it would not have been possible

without the dedication of our reviewers. Their careful assessments, critical insights, and

constructive recommendations have been instrumental in shaping the articles included

in this volume. The Editors wish to express heartfelt appreciation for their indispensable

contribution to the success of this special edition. Their names and institutional affiliations

are listed below in alphabetical order in recognition of their valued service and

commitment to scholarly excellence.

For the avoidance of doubt, the inclusion of reviewers in this list does not imply any

association with, endorsement of, or responsibility for any specific research published in

this special issue. The quality and scholarly rigor of this special edition have been greatly

enhanced by the generous contribution of a distinguished panel of reviewers. The

editorial team extends its sincere appreciation to the following colleagues, listed in

alphabetical order, for their expertise, time, and commitment to the peer-review process:

Cátia Miriam Costa (ISCTE-IUL, Portugal); Francisco Topa (University of Porto, Portugal);

João Paulo Madeira (University of Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde); João Simões (City University

of Macao, Macao, China); Li Guofeng (ISCSP, University of Lisbon, Portugal); Li Yichao

(Zhejiang Normal University, China); Pedro Steenhagen (City University of Macao,

Macao, China); Priscilla Roberts (University of Saint Joseph, Macao, China); Rodrigo

Franklin Frogeri (University Center of Southern Minas Gerais - UNIS-MG, Brazil); and

Yinkangni Wang (University of Macau, Macao, China).

Their thoughtful evaluations and constructive recommendations have been invaluable in

strengthening the academic quality, clarity, and overall contribution of the articles

included in this volume. The editorial team gratefully acknowledges their professionalism

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Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

and collegial support in ensuring the high scholarly standards of this special edition

dedicated to the life, thought, and enduring legacy of Amílcar Cabral.

Technical Note

For the purposes of this special edition, the official designation of Cabo Verde is adopted

consistently throughout the text. This editorial decision is grounded in the following

considerations:

Although the anglicized form “Cape Verde” has long been used in English-language

publications, the official designation of the country is “Cabo Verde.” This change reflects

a deliberate policy adopted by the Government of Cabo Verde to preserve the country’s

original toponymy in international usage. On 24 October 2013, the Government formally

requested that the United Nations recognize and use the name “Cabo Verde” in all official

contexts, following the precedent established by countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, whose

name is not translated into other languages.

In response to this request, the Permanent Mission of Cabo Verde to the United Nations

issued a formal communication to the Secretary-General and all UN Member States. In a

letter dated 11 November 2013, the Permanent Representative of Cabo Verde, António

Pedro Monteiro Lima, stated that the Government had decided to retain the official

designation “Republic of Cabo Verde” in all diplomatic, institutional, and international

correspondence, thereby discontinuing the practice of translating the country’s name into

foreign languages. The communication further specified that the name “Cabo Verde”

should be used uniformly across all official UN languages, with the official state

designation rendered as “Republic of Cabo Verde” in English and “République de Cabo

Verde” in French (Ministério das Relações Exteriores de Cabo Verde, Circular

071/Gab.Mirex/2013, 11 November 2013).

The United Nations formally accepted this request in December 2013, establishing “Cabo

Verde” as the official name used throughout the UN system. Subsequently, other

international organizations and institutions, including the International Olympic

Committee, the European Union, and the United States Board on Geographic Names,

adopted the designation “Cabo Verde” in their official documentation and

communications.

Accordingly, while “Cape Verde” may continue to appear in some informal or historical

English-language usage, “Cabo Verde” is the internationally recognized and academically

preferred designation and should therefore be used consistently throughout this study.

References

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https://postcolonial.poetry.blog/2019/03/23/cita-y-poema-by-amilcar-cabral/

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 17, N.º 1, TD4

Thematic Dossier – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

October 2026, pp. 3-14

Editorial – From Colonial Rule to Nationhood:

Amílcar Cabral and the Birth of Lusophone Africa

Francisco Leandro, Anabela Santiago, João Veloso

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