Published: Less than 30 min ago
Security forces in São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa, have killed four people and detained two after what was described as an attempted coup. One of those arrested is said to be former presidential candidate Delfim Neves.
Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada says authorities believe the men were looking for weapons when they entered military barracks and took a hostage. The hostage was later released. They are also investigating whether the men received any support from the military, says Trovoada.
– It’s not an armed robbery, it’s not theft. It is an attack with weapons of war against the country’s armed forces, says the prime minister.
The country held parliamentary elections in September when Trovoada’s party ADI won. Trovoada was sworn in as prime minister earlier in November.
Neves, from the PCD party, has run for president twice – most recently last year. He has contested the election results from 2021.
São Tomé and Príncipe is Africa’s second smallest country. According to the World Bank, approximately 225,000 people live in the former Portuguese colony.