Quenilson Mendes Marques, the organizer of the protest, asserts that São Tomé and Príncipe remains “100% dependent” on external sources, a situation he attributes to the “incompetence” and “failure” of successive governments in managing the nation.
“If we examine what independence means, São Tomé and Príncipe is not independent. Politically, economically, and socially, everything in São Tomé has failed. The country lacks a financial base, has no economic foundation, the healthcare system is inadequate, education does not ensure quality, and society’s living conditions are entirely misaligned with reality, leaving the youth frustrated,” he stated to Lusa.
Residing in Covilhã, Quenilson Marques notes that his country is “completely outdated. Everything is abandoned.” He criticizes, “The buildings left by our ancestors, the colonizers, in São Tomé and Príncipe are all deteriorated. Our leaders have not looked after the country over the past 50 years.”
The protest targets the governance and the 18 governments that have ruled since independence on July 12, 1975.
“Independence is like a word. We are grateful and honor our freedom above all. Independence is like a word. Yes, we are free, okay? But after independence, after freedom, what follows? 50 years of mismanagement. How can a country be in such conditions?” he questions, citing examples such as “completely potholed roads, the only central hospital being outdated, even the buildings housing ministers, and so on, all from a bygone era.”
In summary, he believes São Toméans “have no reason to celebrate 50 years.”
Honório Lavres de Oliveira, an accounting manager and an emigrant for 15 years in the UK, told Lusa he joined the protest to fight “for the development” of his fellow citizens in São Tomé and Príncipe, who are “enduring a prolonged suffering.”
“That is why I am here, the theme of this protest compels me to participate, to highlight to our leaders the need for change, for the benefit of everyone. In short, it is to change the ‘chip’ of governance to ensure well-being for all. This concern brought me here,” he reiterates.
The demonstration started at Marquês de Pombal square and proceeded down Avenida da Liberdade, along the sidewalk, towards Praça do Comércio. A large flag of São Tomé and Príncipe was displayed, alongside a sign reading “50 years failed, 50 years of destruction.”
Participants carried handwritten signs and chanted against corruption, calling for unity among São Toméans.
