Political instability in São Tomé and Príncipe

Political tension has escalated in São Tomé and Príncipe ahead of scheduled legislative and local elections in September. Former Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, representing the Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party, called for a voter boycott, citing “mafia-like political maneuvers” and judicial decisions that he claims prevent him from leading his party.

Prime Minister Américo Ramos rejected the call for abstention, describing it as a poor political strategy and emphasizing that voting is a civic duty.

Following these tensions, opposition deputies from the MCI-PS and PUN coalitions, alongside ADI members, staged a blockade of a parliamentary session, forcing its cancellation. The protesters are demanding the removal of Parliament President Abnildo D’Oliveira, following allegations that he attempted to influence judicial matters regarding a Chilean citizen held under an Interpol warrant. Prime Minister Ramos has called for ‘institutional responsibility’ to prevent political disputes from destabilizing the nation’s institutions during this transition phase.