Sao Tome & Príncipe: Talks Underway On Political Crisis
By MISNA
Negotiations are underway mediated by São Tomé & Príncipe President Manuel Pinto da Costa, for a solution to the political crisis that broke out in the small archipelago after a no-confidence vote in parliament last week against Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada.
Though remaining in government, Trovoada now doesn’t have a majority in parliament and da Costa gave a deadline to the four parties of the Assembly to seek a solution and end the crisis.
In a statement to the press, the Head of State defined the situation “preoccupying” and urged “a correct application of Constitutional norms to ensure a harmonious functioning of the State”.
After the no-confidence motion, Trovoada spoke of unspecified “risks” for the nation if it does not rapidly return to “institutional normality”.
São Tomé, a small archipelago off of West Africa, has an economy based on agriculture (cacao and coffee) and on a minor level fishing and tourism. Remittances from abroad and international aid remain decisive. Trovoada has been premier since August 2010.
