“Although these are rumors, authorities are actively investigating the origin of these statements that have been circulating on social media. It is a priority to determine the reasons that lead citizens to make such statements”, adds the executive
The São Tomé Government and Armed Forces denied rumors circulating on social media about “supposed mobilization” for a Coup d’Etat today in the archipelago, ensuring that “the authorities remain vigilant and committed to maintaining peace and public order”.
“The Government of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe comes to the public to clarify and reassure the population about rumors circulating on social media, indicating a supposed mobilization for the reversal of the constitutional order in our country, especially in relation to the events of the past November 25, 2022”, reads the Government statement.
In the document issued on Friday night, the prime minister’s office clarifies that “the competent authorities, including the security forces and those responsible for public order, are on permanent alert and ensure that there is no sign of a coup d’état or a mobilization that threatens our democracy and our constitution”.
“Although these are rumors, authorities are actively investigating the origin of these statements that have been circulating on social media. It is a priority to investigate the reasons that lead citizens to make such statements”, adds the executive.
The Government highlights “the importance of responsibility when issuing and sharing false information on social media” and called for “civic and ethical behavior, in order to avoid the negative effects that may arise from it”.
“We ask all citizens to maintain calm and trust in democratic institutions as the authorities remain vigilant and committed to maintaining peace and public order. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and we commit to keeping you informed and updated, through official channels, if necessary”, it reads.
The command of the Armed Forces of São Tomé and Príncipe (FASTP) also denied such information about the “alleged coup d’état” and reassured the entire population.
“The Armed Forces vehemently repudiate this false information, which in no way contributes to peace, stability and national security, values that have always guided our institution. We reaffirm our unshakable commitment to the Constitution of the Republic, to the legitimately elected sovereign bodies and to the democratic order and the Rule of Law”, reads the FASTP statement.
“We appeal to the population not to be carried away by rumors and malicious ‘lives’, and to always turn to official sources to obtain true and credible information. The Armed Forces remain firm and vigilant in defending the Homeland and public tranquility, in close cooperation with other State institutions”, adds the institution.
According to publications by some citizens, especially residents abroad, the alleged mobilization registered today would be related to the discontent of military personnel against the latest initiatives by the President of the Republic, Carlos Vila Nova, who in the last two weeks brought together senior entities in the country, including members of sovereign bodies and those responsible for justice to find mechanisms to carry out the trial of the November 25, 2022 case.
This is a case in which four men were tortured and killed in the military barracks, while they were in FASTP custody, following an attempted coup d’état.
More than twenty military personnel, including senior leaders, were accused by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, but so far they have not been tried because the civil court declared itself incompetent and referred the case to the court that until now has demanded the means to function.
