The opposition in São Tomé and Príncipe demonstrated on Tuesday December 20 to denounce the events of November 25 and 26, when four people died during the night. Three presented by the power as attackers who would have stormed the headquarters of the army, the fourth person being the opponent and former mercenary Arlécio Costa, arrested at his home before being killed.
The authorities claim to have foiled a “ coup attempt », but gray areas remain in the case. An investigation has been opened into cases of ” torture ” and D'” homicides alleged and the opposition awaits clarification.
Before the start of the demonstration, several opposition parties met with the President of the Republic Carlos Vila Nova. Among them, two important formations sitting in Parliament: the “Basta” movement and the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe, the main opposition party.
Nelson Carvalho, the spokesperson for this group of parties, said to himself while awaiting the conclusions of the investigations opened into the events of November 25: Soon things will be clarified, because the President of the Republic also wants the population to know what happenedhe said following his meeting with the Head of State. Santomeans must be able to resume their daily lives in peace, calm and without fear “.
For his part, Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada denounces ” political recovery ” of the part of the opposition and considers the protest to be “ irresponsible “.
This took place when six soldiers from São Tomé were placed in pre-trial detention today, suspected of being the perpetrators of the violence committed on November 25.
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