afrol News, 10 September - President Fradique de Menezes is heading efforts to completely renew the armed forces of São Tomé and Príncipe after a brief but successful coup d'état in July. The President publicly criticised the army for not protecting democracy as "a small fringe of the military" took control of the archipelago.

President Menezes already had announced "profound reforms" of the armed forces and other institutions with the aim of securing stability two weeks ago. He announced an urgent need to stabilise democratic institutions, economic development and improve the country's international reputation.

According to reports by the independent São Toméan daily 'Téla Nón', President Menezes yesterday elaborated on his grievances against the armed forces during a visit at the country's military headquarters. Wearing his military uniform, the President told the armed forces they had brought shame upon the country during the 16-23 July coup.

- Tell me, Mr Menezes asked the military leaders: "On that day, where was your pride of being men of the military and of honour, which is placed in the uniform that distinguishes you from other citizens?" The President further expressed his "shame" and "pain" over the July events.

Although President Menezes said he was aware of "many voices suffering in silence" after a small part of the armed forces announced their seizure of power, he criticised that these silent voices had "done nothing". He added that it however was the duty of the armed forces to "defend the country, but also its democratically elected institutions."

Likewise, President Menezes recalled that many honourable men of the armed forces had clearly distanced themselves from the coup makers during the July event. He however expected these men of "an honourable attitude" to share his shame over the military's inability to defend São Tomé's elected institutions and representatives.

According to Abel Veiga, reporting for 'Téla Nón', President Menezes announced that this failure to prevent the coup had to lead to "a profound remodelling of the current military structure." The President told the country's military leaders that a "completely new" army had to be created, "based on quality criteria".

Few details were given on the reform plans, but the "new army" should only be constituted of "men of honour" and should include "quality tests" of officers and soldiers. Improved conditions for the military - one of the coup makers' demands - were also to be studied. President Menezes asked the present army officers to contribute to the implementation of such a reform.

Since the return of the civilian government to São Tomé on 23 July - after heavy international pressure - President Menezes on various occasions has announced profound reforms and an emergency plan to consolidate democracy on the archipelago. Few practical results have however been presented so far.

Also the São Toméan national unity government remains very much the same as the pre-coup government, although President Menezes had promised the coup makers a new government.

Maria das Neves, Prime Minister since September 2002, still heads the coalition government, which includes all parties present in the Parliament. Ms Neves on 1 August handed in her resignation as a consequence of the coup, but she was urged by President Menezes to carry on. She remained Prime Minister in the new national unity government that took office on 11 August, and which only saw few new appointments.

President Menezes and Prime Minister Neves have emphasised on the need to re-establish international trust in the stability of São Tomé and Príncipe. The impoverished island state is in need of large-scale foreign investment in its promising offshore oil production, which within short could multiply the country's revenues.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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