Independent Democratic Action Party Rejects Coup Attempt, Regrets ‘Irreparable Damage’ in Sao Tome

Independent Democratic Action (ADI), Sao Tome’s ruling party, vehemently rejected the alleged coup attempt that took place this Friday at dawn in the country and deplored the “irreparable material and human damage.”

“Due to the events of the past few hours, the Independent Democratic Action Party (ADD) categorically rejects the incidents perpetrated by a group of well-known citizens at the headquarters of our Armed Forces,” the party said in a statement. Facebook tonight.

The statement, signed by ADI Secretary General Américo Ramos, said that “the irreparable damage to property and life caused by such unreasonable treatment is regrettable”, expressed “solidarity with the armed forces and an investigation is required to determine responsibility”.

ADI “confirms the trust in the government and authorities so that justice will prevail, public order and tranquility will be restored for the benefit of all.”

“Equally, we deplore the shutdown of certain government services, schools that have been forced to shut down, commercial banks and other services as a preventive measure,” the statement said, where he calls for “calm to his activists, friends and supporters, the general population, foreigners and residents” in the country.

Early this Friday morning, four civilians attacked a military barracks in what Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada called “an attempted coup”.

The attack, which lasted almost six hours, was accompanied by intense firefights and explosions, was neutralized around 06:00 local time (same time in Lisbon) with the arrest of four attackers and several soldiers suspected of being involved in the attack.

Of the four attackers, three died, as well as the suspect Arcelio Costa, who was taken to the barracks by the military early in the morning, a source close to the trial said in the afternoon.

In the early hours of the morning, the military arrested former National Assembly President Delfim Neves, currently a deputy from the Basta movement, and Arlesio Costa, a former Buffalo Battalion officer convicted in 2009 of attempting a coup d’état, allegedly identified by the attackers as masterminds, at their homes.

The attackers acted with the complicity of military personnel inside the barracks, at least three corporals were detained. Outside, about 12 men were waiting in vans, and some fled during a firefight with the military.

There were clashes between the attackers and the military, as a result of which the officer on duty was taken hostage and seriously injured.

At a press conference around 9:00 am, Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada, who took office two weeks ago, said that the situation in the country was “calm and under control” and praised the actions of the Armed Forces, which defended the barracks “with professionalism.”

The head of government also expressed hope that justice would do its job and asked for a “hard hand” for those responsible for the coup attempt after the announcement of the arrest by the military of Delphi Neves and Arlesio Costa “based on the statements of the top four [atacantes]🇧🇷

Portugal and Cape Verde have already abandoned the attack.