Washington — Africa Subcommittee Chairman U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA-40) issued harsh words for the organizers of the recent military coup in Sao Tome and Principe. He expressed his support for Sao Tome's President Fradique de Menezes and a return to democracy in the island country off the west African coast.
"Tuesday's coup in Sao Tome was unacceptable and has rightfully been condemned by the African Union, Nigeria, South Africa and other nations. It's intolerable for a democratically elected government to be removed from office by force of arms," said Royce.
President Menezes was elected in July 2001 with 65 percent of the vote. He visited the U.S. last month to attend the Corporate Council on Africa summit and to explore greater economic ties with the United States.
"I met with President Menezes last year, where he discussed his vision for Sao Tome. He stressed the importance of good governance and transparency and the need to diversify the economy," said Royce.
"I welcome Nigerian President Obasanjo's recent decision to send an envoy to Sao Tome in an effort to resolve the crisis. However, the only acceptable solution is the return of the democratically elected government." Royce concluded, "It must be made clear that political disagreements cannot be solved in the Africa of today by resorting to coups."
