The President of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova, has dismissed the nation’s cabinet and its head of government.
In a statement issued on Monday, Nova condemned Prime Minister Patrice Emery Trovoada for “repeated absences” and criticized the government for its failure to find solutions to critical economic and financial issues, as well as their subsequent social consequences.
It remains unclear what led him to make the sudden decision to oust the current government, but he has given his party – of which Trovoada is also a member – 72 hours to establish a new administration.
The island nation is commonly considered a stable democracy in an area known for frequent violent regime changes, military takeovers, and extended periods of dictatorship.
However, São Tomé and Príncipe experienced a failed coup attempt in November 2022, resulting in the deaths of four assailants at the hands of security forces during an assault on the country’s military barracks, which Trovoada described as “an attack with weapons of war on the country’s armed forces”.
Several individuals were detained, including Delfim Neves, a former presidential candidate who had been adamant that the earlier election had been manipulated against him.
According to the international non-governmental organization Freedom House, Trovoada’s administration has since appointed many of its allies to public posts. It has also been accused of promoting and shielding military personnel who took part in the mistreatment of individuals detained during the coup attempt.
São Tomé and Príncipe is generally acclaimed for its strong political institutions. However, corruption and poor governance – mainly with regard to public services and the use of foreign aid and investment – have given rise to popular discontent and protests.
