The new president of Cape Verde Jose Maria Neves has vowed to defend his island nation's "strength and stability" as he took his oath of office on Tuesday after cruising to electoral victory last month.

Neves notched up a first-round win in a country acclaimed as a model of democracy in West Africa.

In his inaugural speech, Neves said he would strengthen Cape Verde's relations with its neighbours and regional bloc ECOWAS and with fellow Portuguese-speaking nations.

He added that the security and stability are strategic resources for Cape Verde and he will pay particular attention" to them.

Tofik Abdoul Nasir