Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, the current African Union chairperson, condemned the coup and demanded the re-establishment of constitutional rule in Sao Tome and Principe. The Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries and Portugal have also released a statement indicating that they viewed the coup as an unacceptable violation of a democratic regime.
A military junta led by Major Fernando Pereira deposed President Fradique de Menez, who was in Nigeria, in a bloodless coup in the early hours of the morning.
The foreign affairs department said government did not condone any unconstitutional transfer of power in the continent and urged that the duly elected leaders of Sao Tome and Principe be restored.
“The coup was to be especially condemned as it came at a time when the Archipelago was on the threshold of great prosperity and progressive economic reforms resulting from the exploitation of oil reserves in the Gulf of Guinea,” it said.
“President Mbeki reminds those involved in the coup that the only acceptable way to change a government is through the processes of a democratic system.
“He urges those involved in the coup to exercise wisdom and discretion and act in the long-term best interest of their country and fellow-citizens,’ said the department, adding that it believed that at the moment all South Africans in Sao Tome and Principe were safe and in no danger,” the statement said. – BuaNews.
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
