Carlos Vila Nova, President of São Tomé and Príncipe, called for “more responsible and active governance,” urging the government to tackle the unresolved challenges that have continued to affect the country. Vila Nova described 2024 as a particularly difficult year for the nation, with many of the issues carried over from previous years still unresolved, exacerbating the hardships faced by the people.
“2024 has been a year fraught with difficulties for São Tomé and Príncipe and its citizens. Many of the struggles from 2023 and earlier remain unresolved, and these have compounded the challenges of this year. The people continue to face significant hardships and are yearning for better days,” President Vila Nova remarked.
The president highlighted a few areas of progress, most notably improvements in the energy sector. Additionally, a significant financial agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), amounting to around US$24 million, was struck, potentially opening doors for further financial support to bolster the country’s budget.
Despite these efforts, Vila Nova emphasized that the country’s economic situation has not seen significant improvement. Social issues, including high rates of unemployment and widespread poverty, continue to deepen. The country also continues to struggle with the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors, with the justice system failing to provide satisfactory responses. Meanwhile, unregulated emigration has been on the rise, leading to family breakdowns and increasing vulnerability among the country’s youth.
“Unemployment remains rampant, and the country’s limited resources are not being distributed equitably, further disadvantaging the most vulnerable segments of society,” said Vila Nova.
While refraining from directly criticizing Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, who has faced criticism for his frequent overseas trips, the president called for a government that is more present and engaged in the nation’s affairs. Vila Nova argued that the gravity of the country’s issues requires leadership that remains directly involved with the people and is focused on resolving critical problems.
“The significant challenges facing the country cannot be addressed by a government operating from a distance. The leadership must be present and actively engaged in crafting a comprehensive, strategic vision for the nation’s future,” he stressed. “No matter how skilled the crew, the captain of the ship cannot justify being absent for extended periods during such a crucial journey.”
President Vila Nova also acknowledged recent tensions surrounding the government’s decision to raise airport taxes. While he noted that such tensions were typical in a democratic system, he urged all parties to work toward finding common ground and maintaining the stability of the nation’s institutions.
“Disagreements are inevitable in any democratic system, but we must ensure that peace, security, and stability are upheld. It is crucial that we seek negotiated solutions to our differences, even if this is not always possible. However, violations of the Constitution and the failure of institutions to function properly are unacceptable,” he concluded.
The president’s remarks underscored the urgent need for reforms and greater accountability within the government to address the ongoing challenges facing São Tomé and Príncipe as the country looks to build a more stable and prosperous future.