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AU slams Sao Tome coup bid
16/07/2003 15:34 - (SA)
Maputo - Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, the head of the African Union, on Wednesday condemned the military coup in the west African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe.
He said: "The government of Mozambique and the African Union condemn the coup and we demand the constitutional order be restored as soon as possible."
Troops rebelled on Wednesday in the tiny nation off the coast of west Africa, detaining Prime Minister Maria das Neves, oil minister Rafael Branco and occupying government buildings.
Portuguese state radio reported there were no injuries and said the streets of the capital were deserted after gunfire was heard early on Wednesday morning.
The soldiers have not said why they rebelled, but in recent months have complained about low pay and poor conditions.
Chissano urged the rebel troops to meet the country's president and negotiate a return to stability. President Fradique de Menezes is in Nigeria.
"They should find a peaceful and democratic solution. They still have time to solve the problems of the country," said Chissano.
One of world's poorest countries
Sao Tome and Principe, like Mozambique, is a member of the Portuguese-speaking community and of the AU.
"The AU does not recognise any government taking power through a coup or undemocratic means," said Chissano.
He did not say what action the AU would take if the government was not restored.
Sao Tome and Principe, a former Portuguese colony, has a population of about 140 000 and is one of the world's poorest countries, according to the United Nations.
It has witnessed political instability in recent years as rival political parties feuded over newly discovered oil wealth.
- AP
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