Publication

This article reviews the recent political crisis and the resulting dismissal of Prime Minister Maria das Neves in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP). It argues that these events have demonstrated that political instability caused by political conflicts has become a detrimental, if integral, part of political life on the island. Despite the politicians’ rhetoric on national unity, it seems unlikely that this will change in the near future. Contrarily, higher inflows of development aid, the eagerly awaited oil revenue, the increasing role of foreign governments and oil companies, and forthcoming elections and ballots will contribute to the competition for power and funds within the small political arena.