10 IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin AUGUST 2010

as far as describing both Portuguese- the more influence it will have in the Portugal and speaking Southern African countries African continent in general. More- as the “spinal column of the relation- over, as it was pointed out by Foreign : ship (of Portugal) with the African Minister Luís Amado last January, continent”. Portugal will become more relevant Matching words Portugal’s interest in Southern Africa in the EU if it is able to be influent in is multilayered. Not only is there a other regions such as Southern Af- with deeds significant community of Portuguese rica. Also, Portugal could perform the expatriates, but the Portuguese lan- role of bridge builder between the EU guage itself is important in the re- and the SADC, thus reinforcing its in- Paulo Gorjão gion. Indeed, it is the official language fluence in both chessboards. Researcher, IPRIS in and Mozambique, as well as The development of a bilateral rela- one of the working languages of the tionship between Lisbon and Preto- Southern African Development Com- ria is crucial if indeed Portugal really Portuguese Foreign Minister Luís munity (SADC) and the wishes to match words with deeds Amado has emphasized on several (AU). when it says that Southern Africa is a occasions over the last few years, Moreover, while a few years ago the strategic region. An increasingly im- namely last February in Addis Ababa interest of Portuguese companies – portant relationship with South Africa on the sidelines of the 14th African such as Banif, BPI, Cimpor, CGD, Es- will give Portugal additional power Union Summit, that Southern Africa com, Galp, Martifer, Mota Engil, MSF, vis-à-vis Angola and Mozambique, is nowadays the most important re- Portugal Telecom, Sonae, Teixeira while at the same time working as an gion in the world as far as Lisbon’s Duarte, among others – was centered access platform regarding Southern diplomacy is concerned. Following mainly on Angola and Mozambique, Africa. The South African market is, the same logic, Portuguese President nowadays their focus is spreading to by far, the most developed in Sub-Sa- Aníbal Cavaco Silva emphasized while the entire region. Indeed, diversifying haran Africa. It would not be unreal- visiting Luanda last July that Angola exporting markets beyond European istic to explore possible business op- could be an access platform for Por- countries has become an imperative portunities in South Africa, bearing in tugal regarding Southern Africa. for the Portuguese economy, which is mind the large Portuguese commu- The rhetoric on the importance of now looking not only to Portuguese- nity in the country – around 200 thou- Southern Africa to Portugal’s foreign speaking countries with renewed in- sand – and their capacity to establish policy is not surprising, consider- terest, but also to the whole of South- bridges between the two countries. ing that one of Portuguese diplo- ern Africa. Until quite recently, the Portuguese macy’s main pillars is centered on Last but not the least, Portugal also foreign policy approach towards South Portuguese-speaking countries, two has a political interest in the region. Africa was managed mainly through of them – Angola and Mozambique – Southern Africa is a central part of the European Union. This state of af- being located precisely in the region. Lisbon’s strategy towards the African fairs seems to be changing with this Last year, Portuguese Secretary of continent, as well as regarding the Eu- renewed bilateral focus, even if the State for Foreign Affairs and Coop- ropean Union (EU). The more relevant process is incomplete at this stage. eration João Gomes Cravinho went Portugal becomes in Southern Africa, Last April, Graça Machel, the third IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 2

wife of Nelson Mandela and widow of embassy in Lisbon has been waiting January 11th 2008. Sidna, an al-Qaeda late Mozambican President Samora almost a year for a new ambassador, in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) as- Machel came to Lisbon. As chairper- while the post remains vacant. sociate who is responsible for killing son of the Mozambican Whatana In- Reversing this mutual political ne- four French tourists in Mauritania in vestment Group, she was invited by glect will benefit both countries. Por- December 2007, was arrested in Bis- the Portuguese Business Develop- tugal in particular must bear in mind sau after traveling through Senegal ment Agency (AICEP) to participate in that South Africa is the key player in and Gambia. Others were detained a conference about the overall South- Southern Africa. It is the pivotal state, as well, namely a Mauritanian living ern African market. This AICEP ini- i.e. the “hot spot that could not only in Guinea-Bissau for several years tiative confirmed that South Africa is determine the fate of its region but and accused of aiding Sidna. The ar- nowadays a priority to the Portuguese also affect international stability”. rest was perceived as another sign of government. Indeed, under the same In order to be successful, the Portu- AQIM moving South as well as a con- strategic goal, the AICEP will orga- guese diplomatic strategy towards sequence of the region’s debilities. As nize in a few months an investment Southern Africa must not ignore a result, the threat level in West Africa forum in South Africa. South Africa. Thus, Lisbon must es- has escalated. In the last decade, the South Afri- tablish a clear regional partnership Last June, then Executive Director of can market has consistently lost rel- with Pretoria by emphasizing that the Office on Drugs evance within the Portuguese overall unlike China or India, it will not pose and Crime (UNODC) Antonio Maria exports ranking. In 2009, South Africa a threat to South Africa’s strategic Costa, voiced his concern over AQ- was Portugal’s 42nd exporting market, interests in Southern Africa. Rather IM’s involvement in drug trafficking while in 2000 it was the 31st, falling 11 than an adversary or a rival, Portugal towards Europe. Costa pointed out places in just one decade. However, could be an useful partner, not only that drugs are being used to finance the AICEP’s focus on Southern Africa in Angola and Mozambique, but also terrorism, adding that Latin Ameri- and South Africa in particular, to- in Botswana, , or . can cocaine trafficking routes cross gether with the renewed interest from territories which are, to some extent, Portuguese companies in the region under the control or characterized by seems to indicate that bilateral trade the presence of AQIM. relations will improve in the forth- Organized crime has been a problem coming years. in West Africa for some time. In 2005, Yet, Portugal must also invest more AQIM and West the UNODC acknowledged that drug fully in the political and diplomatic and human trafficking, diamond and relationship with South Africa. The Africa: Can tobacco smuggling, forgery, illegal most high-level bilateral interaction manufacture and trafficking of fire- between the two countries since the arms, among other illicit activities end of apartheid in 1994 took place Guinea-Bissau conducted by transnational criminal in March 2006, when former South organizations, were a growing con- African President Thabo Mbeki vis- become a cern in the region. In fact, according ited Lisbon to attend the inauguration to the UN, nearly 60% of the drugs of President Cavaco Silva (President narco-terrorist sold in Europe pass through West Af- Mbeki also participated in the EU-Af- rica. rica Summit held in Lisbon in Decem- platform? Although the alert signaled by An- ber 2007). In turn, former Portuguese tónio Maria Costa should be taken President Jorge Sampaio attended Diogo Noivo very seriously, the connection be- the inauguration of President Mbe- tween AQIM and illicit trafficking is Researcher, IPRIS ki in June 1999. Surprisingly, there not exactly surprising. The Algerian were no state visits to report. Presi- Salafist Group for Preaching and dent Cavaco Silva, Prime Minister Combat (GSPC), considered to be the José Sócrates and Foreign Minister Guinea-Bissau has been spotlighted predecessor of AQIM, was involved Luís Amado did not visit South Africa by the media due to its political insta- in all sorts of illegal smuggling – so once since they occupied their posts. bility and mounting involvement with much so that Mokhtar Belmokhtar, a The same is true regarding South Af- drug trafficking – two aspects which former GSPC member and currently rica: neither President Jacob Zuma are often connected. Although al- one of AQIM’s most noteworthy com- nor Foreign Minister Maite Nkoana- ready disturbing, concerns about the manders, also goes by the nickname Mashabane visited Portugal a single country’s situation deepened with the of ‘Mr. Marlboro’. Moreover, recourse time. Moreover, the South African arrest of Sidi Ould Sidna in Bissau on to document forgery and drug traf- IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 3

ficking by jihadist cells in Europe lians arrested in Ghana with conspir- AQIM’s associates in Guinea-Bissau – many of which acting on behalf of acy to commit acts of narco-terrorism is not connected to drug trafficking. AQIM – is well known. and to support terrorist organizations. However, if we add the influence that Therefore, the connection between According to a joint statement by the drug cartels now have in Bissau to Islamist terrorism and drug traffick- US District Attorney and the Drug En- AQIM’s shift towards the South and ing or smuggling in general is not forcement Agency (DEA), in a series its involvement with drug running in new. And, as mentioned above, the of telephone calls and meetings with West Africa, we have a mixture that presence of criminal organizations two confidential sources working with certainly deserves attention. in West Africa is not groundbreaking the DEA and claiming to represent Some long time observers of Guinea- either. The novelty lays in AQIM hav- the Colombian terrorist group FARC, Bissau have told me that public dis- ing a more active role in Western Af- the three individuals described their plays of Islamic faith have become rica drug routes from Latin America strong connections with al-Qaeda, more frequent – public prayer is more to Europe. Still, it is difficult to assess adding that they had a transportation commonplace and the number of ma- the real dimension of AQIM’s involve- route from West to North Africa, ul- drassas has visibly grown. This could ment. Jihadist groups tend to have timately taking them into Spain, with be a natural reaction to the state’s highly flexible structures with some security being provided by AQIM. widespread failure in fulfilling its ob- autonomy within their ranks. Further- In January 2010, Reuters got access to ligations and, by itself, does not allow more, internal strife and competition a confidential report written in early us to draw any conclusions about a are also common, and generate con- 2008 by an official at the US Depart- possible radicalization of the popula- flicting clusters within the organiza- ment of Homeland Security: inside, tion. Nonetheless, at least in theory, it tion. With regard to AQIM’s particular the author describes a clandestine air creates a context that can be capital- case, another angle has to be taken fleet of twin-engine turboprops, ex- ized on by jihadist-driven groups. into consideration: reports from West ecutive jets and a retired Boeing 727 Guinea-Bissau’s internal problems Africa seem to indicate that many that crosses the Atlantic from Latin are more than enough to generate so-called al-Qaeda cells are in fact America to West Africa and back. The concern and the surrounding regional smugglers that enjoy AQIM’s protec- route transports tons of cocaine and context only aggravates the situation. tion or simply act under its banner. possibly weapons. The drugs are then The spillover into Bissau of the drug- However, a connection between AQIM taken across the Sahara and into Eu- terror association is a realistic possi- and drug cartels in West Africa is not rope. bility. improbable: AQIM has financial needs In February of the same year, Mau- to fulfill – demonstrated in the kid- ritanian soldiers killed three armed napping European citizens and hold- men and took 18 prisoners after at- ing them for ransom – and the orga- tempting to stop a convoy transport- nization has gradually moved South, ing cocaine and cannabis in an area leaving North Africa to establish a near the borders with Algeria and foothold in the Sahel and Sahara re- Mali. A month later, a Mauritanian gions. court charged these individuals with The following cases provide some being part of a drug trafficking ring sustainability to Antonio Maria Cos- with links to AQIM. ta’s alarm. In November 2009, the Smugglers, terrorist groups and all wreckage of a Boeing 727 was dis- sorts of organized crime are at home covered in Mali. The plane departed in West Africa: corruption, weak gov- from Venezuela, and was burnt by its ernance, armed conflicts and coups occupants after the crash. Investiga- d’état, a destroyed economic fabric, tions concluded that it was carrying porous borders, the extensive decline up to ten tons of cocaine. The fact of state services, ill-equipped and ill- that the plane was discovered in an trained security forces, among other area known for Islamist militancy and factors, create favorable conditions smuggling of all kinds raised suspi- for them to operate in the region. cions of a possible involvement of ter- Guinea-Bissau suffers from all of rorist groups and drug cartels: tire the above, which explains the grow- tracks found in the sand suggest that ing drug trafficking problem – part the cargo was recovered and moved. of the political and military appara- In December 2009, the US District At- tus has an important role in receiving torney in New York charged three Ma- and moving drug cargos. The case of IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 4

20 years on São Tomé and Príncipe has voted again for “change”

Gerhard Seibert CEA/ISCTE-IUL

In December 1989, São Tomé and Príncipe was the first ADI (11 seats) – became Prime Minister of a coalition African one-party state to hold a National Conference government constituted by his party and the MDFM-PCD and decide on a transition to multiparty democracy. On alliance. Patrice Trovoada negotiated this solution with January 20th 1991, the archipelago was the second Af- President Menezes, who had by then lost confidence in rican country – after Cape Verde a week prior – to hold Vera Cruz. Trovoada, a businessman who converted to democratic elections. Since then, both legislative and Islam as a student, was expected to raise foreign funds presidential elections have been organized regularly and through his supposed network of personal international peacefully. All these elections – financed by foreign do- connections. nors – have been considered by international observers In May of that same year, Trovoada lost a motion of no as free, fair and transparent. However, due to financial confidence in Parliament supported by major opposition constrains and a lack of political will, local elections – party MLSTP/PSD (20 seats) and coalition party PCD, first held in December 1992 and constitutionally due ev- which accused Trovoada of lacking transparency in gov- ery three years – did not take place again until August ernment affairs. Consequently, the MDFM ended its alli- 2006. Local elections scheduled for August 2009 were ance with the PCD, which dated back 2002. In June 2008, postponed due to lack of funds and delays in voter reg- leader of the MLSTP/PSD Rafael Branco was appointed istration. The latter problem also affected the legisla- Prime Minister of a coalition government formed by his tive elections, which legally must imperatively be held party, PCD and MDFM. Reportedly, in return for support- in March 2010. In that month, President Fradique de ing the motion of no confidence, the PCD had benefitted Menezes (2001-) scheduled local elections on July 25th, from financial assistance from the MPLA, the MLSTP/ and legislative elections on August 1st respectively. The PSD’s longstanding external ally. In December 2009, fol- four main competing parties in both elections were the lowing fierce criticism by the MLSTP/PSD and the PCD of Liberation Movement of São Tomé and Príncipe/Social- President Menezes’ constitutionally controversial elec- democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD), the Democratic Conver- tion as MDFM chairman, the MDFM abandoned the co- gence Party (PCD), the Independent Democratic Action alition. Thereafter, Branco governed with a coalition of (ADI), and the Democratic Movement Force of Change MLSTP/PSD and PCD that was supported by a majority (MDFM). These parties do not represent different po- of 31 deputies in the National Assembly, since 11 out of litical ideologies or programmes, but rather competing 23 deputies elected for the MDFM-PCD alliance in 2006 group interests. All four parties took part at one time or belonged to the PCD. During the four-year period none another in the consecutive coalition governments during of the consecutive governments succeeded in perform- the legislature from 2006 to 2010. ing well: they were all plagued by failures in the health After the 2006 elections, the MDFM-PCD party alliance and energy sectors, accusations of maladministration that won 23 seats in the 55-member National Assem- and corruption. Due to the poor performance of his gov- bly constituted a minority government headed by Tomé ernment, Prime Minister Rafael Branco became a rather Vera Cruz, then leader of the MDFM, a party constituted unpopular figure during his two years in office, and faced by followers of President Menezes in 2001. In February increasing opposition from within his own party. Never- 2008, Prime Minister Vera Cruz resigned to avoid disap- theless, his election goal was to obtain an absolute ma- proval of the 2008 budget by opposition parties. Still in jority for the MLSTP/PSD. the same month, Patrice Trovoada - son of ex-president During the two-week campaign for the legislative elec- Miguel Trovoada (1991-2001), born during his father’s tions – which was interrupted by local elections – with exile in Libreville in 1962 and leader of opposition party the exception of the legally compulsory campaign spots IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 5

in local radios and television channels where all ten com- the capital, São Tomé, is situated) and Mé-Zóchi, which peting parties appeared, only the four major parties were represent almost 80% of the archipelago’s population. visible to the public, since they alone disposed of suffi- The PCD lost the four district councils it had controlled cient supporters and financial means to organize meet- since 2006, and only received two seats in the Cantagalo ings and rallies, and could afford to distribute campaign district assembly, and one seat in both Lobata e Caué. paraphernalia like caps, t-shirts and rucksacks. Report- Surprisingly, the MDFM, competing alone in an election edly the wealthier parties even donated cell phones, mo- for the very first time, did not manage to secure a single torbikes, and household appliances. Most of the cam- seat in any of the six districts. The Union for Principe’s paign funds came from foreign sources, since in poor São Change and Progress (UMPP) headed by Tozé Cassan- Tomé and Príncipe political parties lack enough domes- dra repeated the victory of 2006 and won all seven seats tic financing to run campaigns. However, no one knows in Príncipe’s Regional Assembly. The UMPP’s only com- exactly who these foreign sponsors are and what politi- petitor in Príncipe’s regional elections was the MLSTP/ cal interests motivated them to provide financial support. PSD, since ADI, PCD, and MDFM supported Cassandra’s According to local legislation on party financing, parties grouping. Both MLSTP/PSD and ADI claimed victory in are obliged to declare the sources of their campaign bud- the local elections, the former because it won the major- gets, yet parties have never ity of votes, the latter because complied with this law. it gained control of the two From the beginning it was The reduction of the most populated district coun- clear that the other six par- cils. Although the results of ties on the ballot would not ministries and the local elections had apparently play any role in the outcome been influenced by the popu- of the elections. Interest- appointment of new larity of individual candidates, ingly, despite a population people is another feature some observers in São Tomé increase between 2006 and believed that the legislative 2010, the number of regis- that reminds of the first election results would be sim- tered voters dropped from ilar to those of the local ones. 79,850 to 78,800 in the same democratically elected Besides, it was expected that period. During the regis- the electorate would choose tration process underway government of the PCD in between the ADI and MDFM in March, a total of about and the MLSTP/PSD and PCD 90,000 voters had been ex- 1991. At the time, the PCD coalitions, headed by Patrice pected to register. This loss failed to implement the Trovoada and Rafael Branco of about 1,050 registered respectively, since nobody be- voters can only be explained promised change and lost lieved that in the context of the by the new voter registra- country’s four-party constel- tion carried out after many power within three years. lation one party alone could delays by the National Elec- achieve an absolute majority. toral Commission (CEN) in In the second campaign week the beginning of 2010. The new voter registration had it became increasingly clear that the ADI would consid- become necessary as the previous database disappeared erably improve its 2006 result of 20% of the votes and during the 2008 burglary of the CEN office. In early 2010, 11 deputies. In the 2002 elections, the ADI competed to- Secretary-General of the MDFM Raul Cravid publicly ac- gether with four other small parties in an electoral coali- cused MLSTP/PSD and PCD of having staged the voter tion called Uê Kédadji that won only 8 seats, half of the registration robbery to deliberately delay the elections. 16 seats the ADI had achieved by itself in 1998. Patrice On July 23rd, Raul Cravid was again involved in an inci- Trovoada improved the ADI’s results in 2006, but in the dent, this time on the estate of Agostinho Neto, when he presidential elections held the same year he lost clearly and his campaigners fought with MLSTP/PSD support- with 38.8% of the votes against the incumbent Menezes ers and shots were fired into the air. A few days later, with 60.6%. President Menezes agreed to appoint Tro- Cravid left the country unexpectedly by plane, allegedly voada as Prime Minister in 2008, although the ADI dis- for health reasons. In the local elections of July 25th, posed of only 11 seats in Parliament. Then, surprisingly, the MLSTP/PSD obtained most of the total votes and a he was dismissed after three months through a motion of majority in the four district councils of Lobata, Lembá, no confidence by the MLSTP/PSD and the PCD. Cantagalo, and Caué, while the ADI became the coun- In this year’s election campaign, Trovoada capitalized try’s second most voted party and gained the majority in on this episode by saying that the two parties only re- the two most populated districts of Água Grande (where moved him from office when he tried to end the practice IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 6

of cumulating government jobs: because of this, many given to vote buying in the country – for the party’s de- leaders of both parties would earn thousands of dollars feat. The PCD leadership still hoped to improve its re- per month, while young trained cadres could hardly find sults in the legislative elections, where contrary to local any adequate occupation at all. He further reminded the elections mandates are not awarded according to major- electorate of the consecutive corruption scandals that ity rule, but are distributed in accordance to proportional affected previous governments and promised to seri- representation. ously fight corruption. Trovoada’s call for a true change During the campaign, Trovoada’s adversaries tried to in government affairs came at a time when many people undermine his credibility by stressing that he lacked were fed up with the ruling political elite and willing to adequate governance experience and did not know his give him and his party a chance. Trovoada, who speaks country sufficiently well since he had spent a major part Portuguese with a French accent and whose source of of his life abroad. They even went so far as to point out personal wealth remains unknown in São Tomé, proved that not only was Trovoada’s wife Malian – allegedly the particularly attractive to the younger generations since daughter of a wealthy businessman – but his domestic he promised a true change in local politics. His oppo- servants and his dog were also foreigners. In the end, nents considered Trovoada to be the true “owner” of the none of these arguments could prevent a majority from ADI, since the party relies completely and exclusively on voting for the ADI. Possibly his position as a relative him, both financially and politically. Shortly before the stranger worked in his advantage, since it dissociated elections, the ADI confirmed Trovoada by acclamation as him from the local political class and their unpopular party leader. The ADI has been São Tomé and Príncipe’s practices. Whatever the reason, the ADI clearly won the first presidential party, whose main characteristic is to be election by obtaining 26 seats, two short of an absolute autocratically ruled by its leader, while competitive elec- majority. It was already the fourth time since 1991, 1994, tions for party leadership would be unthinkable. Contrary and 2006 that an opposition party won the elections in to the MLSTP/PSD and PCD, the ADI does not dispose the archipelago. The MLSTP/PSD secured 21 seats, one of a working grassroots party structure either. Trovoada more than in 2006, but considerably less than the much compensated this disadvantage successfully by using his sought after absolute majority. The PCD received only financial means and external support, thus enabling the seven deputies, one each in Principe and São Tomé’s six ADI to run an efficient election campaign throughout the districts. While the PCD lost four seats in relation to the entire country. As Trovoada’s ADI participated only in his eleven seats occupied in the alliance with the MDFM, short-lived government, he could easily accuse the ML- results were similar to those in 1998, when the party STP/PSD and the PCD of maladministration and of being competed alone. The MDFM suffered worse results, as it involved in alleged corruption scandals. was awarded only one seat. This debacle also left the ADI In contrast, MDFM – the other presidential party – was without a coalition partner. In fact, the ADI had primar- weakened by ongoing internal problems within its lead- ily won its majority at the expense of MDFM and PCD, ership which President Menezes, the party’s de facto while the MLSTP/PSD slightly increased its votes. Like leader, failed to resolve. It was common knowledge that in previous elections, vote buying was again an integral João Costa Alegre, Vice-President of the MDFM, and part of the process. It was rumored that parties had paid Raul Cravid, the Secretary-General, had a difficult rela- amounts in local currency worth 26 or more for one vote. tionship, although both men enjoy Menezes’ confidence. However, it remains unclear if and to which extent the Additionally, after nine years in office and a year before banho influenced results, since several parties appar- completing his second and last term, Menezes himself ently had applied this strategy, and there is no guarantee had become rather unpopular. Consequently, several that voters actually cast their ballots in favor of the party prominent party members publicly declared their with- that paid them. On the other hand, it cannot be excluded drawal from the MDFM a few months before the elec- that the banho contributed to the high turnout of 89% of tions. The results of the local elections had already in- registered voters. While electoral observers from the dicated that many voters considered the MDFM to be re- Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) dundant and were rather inclined to prefer ADI. stressed the civism of the electorate, those from the Af- During his campaign, Patrice Trovoada wooed PCD fol- rican Union declared the elections to be free, transparent lowers by claiming that in 2008, the party leadership had and democratic. The observer mission from the Commu- removed him from office without approval from party nity of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) was the members. Besides, the ADI accused the PCD of having only one that reported – with the “greatest apprehen- been involved in several corruption scandals and of being sion” – evidence of vote buying. co-responsible for the poor performance of consecutive With the exception of vote buying, these elections fea- governments since 2006. The PCD, which apparently had tured many similarities with the first multiparty elec- not expected poor results in the local elections, blamed tions of 1991 when opposition party PCD won by a land- the practice of banho (literally meaning bath) – the name slide victory. The successful voter mobilization brought IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 7

about by Trovoada’s promises and hope of real change, thirties and are largely unknown. Interestingly, neither together with the high voter turnout, are only comparable agriculture nor tourism appear explicitly in the designa- to the first democratic elections. The difference is that tions of any of the ministries, although both have been in 1991, the people vested their hopes for change in a considered key sectors of the country’s economy. Both group of new politicians, while now they seem to gather are integrated in the Ministry of Planning and Develop- around a single personality. Immediately after election ment run by Agostinho Fernandes, a young lawyer. On results were known, Trovoada confirmed that he would the other side, the Ministry of Public Works and Natural not negotiate any agreement with the current leadership Resources is headed by Carlos Vila Nova, employee of a of the MLSTP/PSD and the PCD, who were responsible local travel agency. In oil affairs, he may be advised by for removing him from office in 2008. He did not consider Minister Afonso Varela, a French-trained lawyer who has ruling without a parliamentary majority to be a problem, participated in several of the country’s oil negotiations since Vera Cruz also managed to rule with the support of and a former director of the National Oil Agency (ANP). only 23 deputies. Given his position and his background, Varela must be On August 14th, Patrice Trovoada was sworn in as Prime considered the strong man of this new government. The Minister of the country’s 16th government since 1991. His reduction of ministries and the appointment of new peo- executive is composed of one Secretary of State and ten ple is another feature that brings back memories of the Ministers, four of whom do not belong to the ADI but are first democratically elected PCD government, in 1991. considered independents. One of them is Afonso Varela, At the time, the PCD failed to implement the promised who was appointed Minister Secretary-General with the change and lost power within three years. It remains task of coordinating between ministries. He is the only to be seen if Trovoada and his government will be able minister with previous government experience, though to keep their promise of change and good governance. only for three months in 1999 when he was Minister of The appointment of office-holders dissociated from the Planning and Finance for the MLSTP/PSD. Another in- old political elite is not enough, since transforming the dependent, Manuel Salvador dos Ramos, was appointed country’s governance requires a different political and the new Minister of Foreign Affairs after being an am- bureaucratic culture, one that may only be achieved by bassador for São Tomé and Príncipe in Luanda and Li- significant shifts on all levels of the corruption infested breville. While most new ministers come from the public state apparatus and the sluggish bureaucracy. administration sector, several of them are only in their

Election turnout & results of the major parties (seats in Parliament, percentage of votes)

Legislative elections 20 January 1991 2 October 1994 8 November 1998 3 March 2002 26 March 2006 1 August 2010

Reg. Voters 51,610 55,862 49,639 60,961 79,849 78,798 Turnout 76.7% 52.1% 64.7% 66.3% 64.0% 89%

MLSTP/PSD 21 (30.6%) 27 (37.1%) 31 (46.1%) 24 (39.6%) 20 (29.5%) 21 (32.1%) (founded 1972)

PCD (1990) 33 (54.4%) 14 (21.4%) 8 (14.5%) 7 (13.6%)

8 (16.2%) ADI (1992) 14 (22.9%) 16 (25.6%) 11 (20.0%) 26 (42.2%) Uê Kédadji

23 (39.4%) 23 (36.8%) MDFM (2001) 1 (7.1%) MDFM-PCD MDFM-PCD IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 8

Timeline of Events

12 August (Luanda): 26 August (Paris): Angola Ahead of the planned 2012 general elections, the The exiled Forças de Libertação do Enclave de National Assembly unanimously elected Susana Cabinda (FLEC) leadership in France issued a 3 August (Luanda): António da Conceição Nicolau Inglês as chair- statement rejecting any peace talks engaged in The government released new forecasts for GDP person for the National Electoral Commission. by the FLEC/PM faction in Cabinda. Moreover, it growth in 2010, trimming the first estimation of reaffirmed the leadership of Nzita Tiago as the 9.7% to 6.7%, while its foreign debt is expected 15 August (Brazzaville): movement’s President, while dismissing Vice- to hit 40% of the GDP. The US$9 billion debt that President José Eduardo dos Santos attended President Alexander Tati, Armed Forces Chief the country owes to foreign construction firms the 50th anniversary of the independence of the of Staff Estanislau Boma and Counselor to the will be paid off by the creation of a special oil Republic of the Congo. President Luís Luemba. fund, which will use the profits of 100 thousand of Angola’s 1.79 million barrels of oil produced 16 August (Luanda): 30 August (Luanda): per day. Angola’s daily oil production is set to reach two Cape Verdean Prime Minister José Maria Neves million barrels per day in 2011 according to The met President José Eduardo dos Santos to dis- 3 August (Cabinda): Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), up from 1.95 cuss, among other topics, bilateral cooperation Four Cabinda human rights activists were sen- million in 2010. The EIU predicts a GDP increase and the situation in Guinea-Bissau. tenced to prison for their alleged involvement in of 8.8% this year and 6.2% in 2011. last February’s attack on the Togo football team. Francisco Luemba, Raúl Tati, José Benjamin 16-17 August (Windhoek): Brazil Fuca and Belchior Tati were sentenced to three Vice-President Fernando da Piedade Dias dos to six years of jail. Amnesty International called Santos ‘Nandó’ represented President José 2 August (San Juan): for their immediate release. Eduardo dos Santos in the 30th Summit of Heads Foreign Minister Celso Amorim attended the of State and Government of the Southern Africa 39th meeting of Mercosul’s Common Market 4 August (Cabinda): Development Community. Angola was elected Council, aiming to lay common ground for the Rodrigues Mingas, head of the FLEC/PM – For- for the Community’s Vice Presidency and was next Mercosul Summit. ças de Libertação do Estado de Cabinda/Posição chosen to host the 31st Summit in 2011. Militar – classified the four activists’ trial as a 2 August (Brasília): farce set up by the Angolan government and said 23-29 August (Maputo): President Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva signed a law the condemned have no link to the FLEC. Speaker of Parliament Paulo Kassoma paid a creating a state company that will manage the six-day official visit to reinforce the already ex- development of the country’s vast new oil re- 4-8 August (Brasília): cellent ties between Angola and Mozambique. serves. However, three other oil bills – proposed Defense Minister Carlos Van-Dúnem visited Among other meetings, Mozambican President by the government to tighten control over recent Brazil to strengthen cooperation ties. Among Armando Guebuza received Kassoma. oil discovery and ensure that proceeds flow to other topics, the establishment of a strategic the state to help pay for infrastructure, educa- partnership and its implementation were high 24 August (Johannesburg): tion and poverty-reduction programs – remain on the agenda, in line with President José Edu- According to South Africa’s Rand Merchant blocked in Congress, which will not vote on them rd th ardo dos Santos’ visit on the 23 and 24 of June, Bank, Angola’s GDP will increase by 7.2% in until after the presidential elections in October. as well as the training of military and civilian 2010 and 6.9% in 2011. This growth will be driv- personnel by Brazil. en by higher oil prices. Oil is still responsible for 3 August (San Juan): over 50% of state revenue. President Lula da Silva attended Mercosul’s 6 August (Luanda): Heads of State and Government Summit, where The IMF ended its weeklong assessment mis- 25 August (Bujumbura): important breakthroughs were achieved – in- sion regarding the application of its US$1.4 bil- Vice-President Fernando da Piedade Dias dos cluding a consensus on the distribution of cus- lion loan plan. The Fund was broadly satisfied Santos ‘Nandó’ was received by re-elected Bu- toms revenues and the elimination of double and will allow the disbursement of a US$342 rundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, after he taxation on goods imported by member coun- million installment, which follows some US$515 attended the latter’s swearing-in ceremony. The tries – allowing the organization to effectively million already lent. The IMF praised prudent two discussed ways to strengthen bilateral co- become an actual customs union. A free-trade fiscal policies, while it pointed out the damaging operation and economic ties. agreement with , commercial benefits to effects of unpaid government bills, which can be Haiti and the protection of the Guaraní aquifer as high as US$9 billion. were also high on the agenda. Additionally, Bra- IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 9

zil also officially assumed the organization’s pro would observe the sanctions imposed, regard- ister José Maria Neves. Culture, community tempore Presidency and Lula da Silva took the less of its opposition to them. school exchange, tourism, professional training opportunity to meet bilaterally with his Argen- and business approximation were discussed. tinean counterpart Cristina Kirchner in order to 12 August (Washington): assess the current state of relations between Brazil and the US have reached a debt-reduction 30 August (Luanda): the two countries. agreement that will let Brasília commit funds Prime Minister José Maria Neves met with An- for the protection of its tropical forests. The golan President José Eduardo dos Santos under 4 August (Brasília): agreement reduces Brazil’s debt payments to the bilateral cooperation framework to discuss Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, ambas- the US by nearly US$21 million over the next five the current situation in Guinea-Bissau, among sador Patricia Espinosa, met with Foreign years. In return, Brazil will fund grants protect- other issues. Minister Celso Amorim, the Brazil-Mexico ing lands that are home to a variety of wildlife. Strategic Agreement for Economic Integration being high on the agenda. The Community of 13-14 August (São Paulo): Guinea-Bissau Latin American and Caribbean States, climate New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Murray McCully change, and the situation in Honduras were met with his counterpart Celso Amorim. Trade, 1 August (Bissau): also addressed. investments, student exchanges and tourism President Malam Bacai Sanhá accepted the were high on the agenda. idea of welcoming a stabilization force sent by 4-5 August (Brasília): the international community, without reveal- Cameroonian President Paul Biya met with his 17 August (Brasília): ing further details about it. This followed some counterpart Lula da Silva, in the context of the Chilean Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno, along- discussions held with CPLP and African Union 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplo- side his counterpart Celso Amorim, presided members, who said they would only intervene in matic relations between both countries. Agri- over the 1st meeting of the Chile-Brazil Bilateral the country if they were asked to. culture, cooperation on culture and tourism, as Commission. Science, education and cultural well as the opening of a new Embassy for Cam- cooperation as well as UNASUR integration and 2 August (Brussels): eroon in Brasília, were high on the agenda. the situation in Haiti, were high on the agenda of The EU decided to withdraw its Security Sector both officials. Reform mission from Guinea-Bissau. The mis- 6 August (Caracas): sion, which began in June 2008, will exit the President Lula da Silva met with his Venezu- 19 August (Brasília): country next month with little success to show. elan counterpart Hugo Chávez. The strength- Ecuadorian Foreign Minister, Ricardo Patiño, The EU complained that its constant appeals to ening of bilateral economic ties and social co- met with his Brazilian counterpart Celso Amor- respect the rule of law and end military impu- operation, as well as regional security issues im. The consolidation of UNASUR, the humani- nity, in particular after the April 1st events, were including UNASUR and Colombia, were high on tarian crisis in Haiti and bilateral issues regard- never headed. the agenda. ing the Amazon rainforest, were high on the agenda. 3 August (Díli): 7 August (Bogotá): Portuguese Secretary of State for Foreign Af- President Lula da Silva attended the inaugura- 25 August (Brasília): fairs and Cooperation João Gomes Cravinho tion of Colombian President José Manuel San- Bissau-Guinean President Malam Bacai Sanhá stated that Portuguese troops would not be sent tos. Lula also took the opportunity to encour- met President Lula da Silva and Defense Minis- to Guinea-Bissau, while he welcomed Bissau- age dialogue between Venezuela and Colombia ter Nelson Jobim. Bilateral cooperation and lo- Guinean intentions to host an international mis- as a way out of the recent crisis, while Foreign cal stabilization of the African country were high sion. Timorese Prime Minister José Alexandre Minister Celso Amorim met with his counter- on the agenda. ‘Xanana’ Gusmão stated that his country would part Maria Ângela Holguín. consider the possibility of sending troops to sup- port their “Bissau-Guinean brothers”. 9 August (São Paulo): Cape Verde President of El Salvador Mauricio Funes at- 3 August (Jakarta): tended, alongside President Lula da Silva, the 2 August (Praia): Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs Luís Brazil-El Salvador Business Meeting. Addition- According to the Bank of Cape Verde, the coun- Amado said no Portuguese troops were neces- ally, both officials reviewed bilateral ties and try’s exports and imports rose by 59.3 % and sary in Guinea-Bissau, though he added that discussed regional integration possibilities and 8.3% respectively in the first half of this year, Portugal would continue to support the country other areas of cooperation. according to official figures. Portugal and Spain in other ways. were Cape Verde’s main trading partners. 10 August (Brasília): 3 August (Bissau): President Lula da Silva signed the decree re- 11 August (Praia): Military authorities seemed to be reluctant to garding the UN sanctions against Iran – despite The governor of Luanda (an Angolan province) accept the presence of a foreign stabilization Brazilian efforts to negotiate a nuclear-swap Francisca do Espírito Santo met with Cape force, which they see as a bodyguard for civil deal with the Islamic state – arguing that Brazil Verdean President Pedro Pires and Prime Min- authorities, in particular for Prime Minister Car- IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 10

los Gomes Júnior. Nevertheless, the military are da Gama worked in Guinea-Bissau’s Ministry of 26-27 August (Havana): likely to agree to the deployment of the force. Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and President Malam Bacai Sanhá met his Cuban Communities and was currently a Minister’s counterpart Raúl Castro, with whom he dis- 3 August (Bissau): Counselor and Focal Point for the CPLP. Soares cussed cooperation ties, particularly in the The idea of an international stabilization force da Gama replaces Rwandan Joseph Mutaboba, health sector. proved conflictual among Guinea-Bissau’s polit- who held the post for one and a half years. ical community. The Partido de Renovação Social 27 August (Luanda): (PRS) – the main opposition party – rejected the 18 August (Abuja): Guinea-Bissau’s Consul General in Luanda, idea on grounds that a foreign presence would Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan noted José Isaac Monteiro Silva, stated that his coun- only bring more problems to the fragile internal Guinea-Bissau’s current instability and prom- try’s stabilization depends on the honourable situation. ised to involve ECOWAS in attempts to assist treatment, along with a respectful pension, of the country. A meeting of ECOWAS to discuss former independence fighters. 4 August (Bissau): the deployment of a stabilization force should be Government and military sources renewed their held in mid-September. intention to accept a foreign stabilization mis- Mozambique sion, considered a ‘peacekeeping’ body, com- 18 August (Luanda): posed of advisers from international organiza- Angolan academic, diplomat and former Vice- 4 August (Moamba): tions such as ECOWAS, the African Union and Foreign Minister Sebastião Isata was appointed The US and Mozambican militaries began a the CPLP. Following the EU’s departure from the as special representative to Guinea-Bissau of week of joint training exercises in peacekeep- country, this marks a reversal of course from a African Union chairman Jean Ping. Isata will re- ing and humanitarian relief operations, under clear ten-year pattern of disengagement from place fellow countryman João Miranda. the Shared Accord of 2010, involving about 800 the international community, and represents Mozambican and 700 US personnel. an appeal for a renewed partnership based on a 21 August (Bissau): common reform discourse. The government decided in an extraordinary 5 August (Maputo): Council of Ministers meeting that Guinea-Bis- Foreign Minister Oldemiro Balói presided over 6 August (Bissau): sau will only accept a stabilization mission un- the SADC Ministerial Committee, where the sit- Spokesman for the Presidency Agnelo Regnalla der a UN mandate and according to the coun- uation in Madagascar and preparations for the clarified that the stabilization mission would try’s constitution. organization’s upcoming summit in Namibia, not be a military force but would be composed were high on the agenda. of military and civilian experts and support the 24 August (Sal): ongoing Security Sector Reform process. President Malam Bacai Sanhá met Defense Min- 9 August (Maputo): ister Cristina Fontes Lima, who stated that Cape Mozambican company Moçamgalp plans to 7-8 August (Tehran): Verde is available to support Guinea-Bissau, invest US$19 million over the next five years President Malam Bacai Sanhá visited Iran, for instance in training military personnel, and in Mozambique’s Manica province to produce where he met with President Mahmoud Ahma- would continue to work to stabilize the country biodiesel from jatropha oil, in a concerted effort dinejad. The Iranian leader stressed the expan- together with international organizations such from its shareholders, national supplier Petro- sion of bilateral relations, framed in an effort to as the CPLP, the UN and ECOWAS. moc, Portuguese fuel company Galp and biodie- deepen his country’s ties with Africa. Sanhá de- sel producer Ecomoz. fended Iran’s right to purse its plans and goals 25-26 August (Brasília): internationally. Eight cooperation memoran- President Malam Bacai Sanhá paid his first of- 9 August (Maputo): dums were signed during the visit. ficial visit to Brazil. Sanhá met his counterpart According to government spokesperson Al- Lula da Silva and discussed cooperation ties berto Nkutumula, Mozambique’s economy grew 9 August (Bissau): between the two countries, in particular in the by 7.2% during the first half of 2010 while the A CPLP delegation, including representatives education, health and agricultural sectors (the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 9.5%. On from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde and Portugal, latter with a focus on cashew production). Bra- the other hand, inflation reached 5.7%, while the arrived in Bissau to assess the possibility of the zil’s involvement in the possible stabilization country’s exports rose to US$456 million in the Community’s involvement in the stabilization mission, with either military experts or troops, first quarter of 2010. mission. No decision having yet been reached, was also discussed. it is established that the Community will only in- 10 August (Maputo): tervene if asked by local authorities. 25 August (Bissau): According to the Mozambican Centre for Invest- Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Júnior’s working ment Promotion, Portugal was the country that 13 August (New York): visit to South Africa, scheduled for August 27th, invested the most in Mozambique during the The new Permanent Representative of Guinea- was postponed indefinitely. first six months of the year, totaling US$58.9 Bissau to the United Nations, João Soares da million. Following were Italy, Spain, China and Gama, presented his credentials to UN Secre- South Africa, with investments of approximately tary-General Ban Ki-moon. Previously, Soares US$22.4 million. All in all, Foreign Direct In- IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 11

vestment (FDI) in Mozambique soared by 400% 17 August (Maputo): the Constitution, in order to allow a third term in the first half of 2010 compared to the same American oil company Anadarko has discovered for current President Armando Gebuza. period last year. offshore oil deposits in northern Mozambique, in the Rovuma Basin. President Armando Guebuza 12 August (Maputo): quickly tried to tone down general expectations, Portugal After contacts with Mozambican President Ar- since it is still unclear if the find will prove com- mando Guebuza, President of the autonomous mercially viable. 3-4 August (Jakarta): Italian province of Trento announced that a rural Foreign Minister Luís Amado met with his Indo- development bank would be set up in the Mo- 17-21 August (Maputo): nesian counterpart Marty Natalegawa, seeking zambican province of Sofala, seeking to provide Canadian Minister for International Cooperation to boost bilateral ties. The signing of a Memo- financing to the population for projects to de- Beverley Oda visited Mozambique, seeking to randum of Understanding to enhance the two velop the local economy. deepen cooperation between the two countries. countries’ relationship in economy, social af- Oda took the opportunity to meet with Minister fairs and culture, as well as concerted efforts 12 August (Maputo): of Health Ivo Garrido, Deputy Minister of For- towards the development of Timor Leste – in- Mozambique’s state-owned electricity company eign Affairs Henrique Banze and Governor of the cluding its bid to join ASEAN – were high on Electricidade de Moçambique announced it will northern province of Nampula Felismina Tocoli. the agenda. sign a US$1.7 billion deal with the European In- vestment Bank to finance the construction of a 18-20 August (Maputo): 9 August (Brasília): high-voltage power-transmission line seeking Zambian President Rupiah Banda met with his Brazilian Banco do Brasil and Bradesco signed to connect the capital, Maputo, to the Cahora counterpart Armando Guebuza and several a memorandum of understanding with the Por- Bassa hydropower dam. cabinet members, including Foreign Minister tuguese Banco Espírito Santo (BES), in order Oldemiro Balói. Both delegations signed eight to carry out studies on a strategic partner- 13 August (Maputo): cooperation agreements regarding mineral re- ship with the aim of operating in Africa while The government signed a financing agreement sources, education, air travel, natural disaster focusing on existing BES operations. Angola, with the German Development Bank worth 247 management and tourism. Mozambique and Cape Verde are to become million to support the implementation of the priority markets. Education Sector Strategy Plan until 2013. The 23 August (Maputo): agreement was achieved a day after the Mozam- According to recently published figures, seven 25 August (Lisbon): bican Education Ministry announced a 20% re- foreign companies prospecting for hydrocar- Foreign Minister Luís Amado contacted his Pak- duction in support from the international com- bons in Mozambique – including South Africa’s istani counterpart Makhdoom Shah Mahmood munity for education in the country, due to the Sasol, Norwegian DNO, Buzi Hydrocarbons, Qureshi to express Portugal’s solidarity and international financial crisis. StatOil, US company Anadarko, Italy’s ENI and support to the victims of the recent floods. Malaysia’s Petronas – have invested an overall 15 August (Windhoek): amount of US$1 billion in the last 18 months. 25 August (Belgrade): President Armando Guebuza chaired the SADC Secretary of State for European Affairs Pedro Troika on Politics, Defense and Security, which 23 August (Maputo): Lourtie met with Serbian Minister for Foreign reviewed the situation in Zimbabwe and the pos- Foreign Affairs Minister Oldemiro Balói and US Affairs Vuk Jeremic and Secretary of State for sibility of new regionally monitored elections in ambassador Leslie Rowe signed an agreement Foreign Affairs Mirko Stefanovic. Bilateral re- 2011. through which the US government will donate lations between both countries, as well as EU US$250 million each year until 2013 to support relations with the Western Balkans and Portu- 16 August (Lisbon): the implementation of Mozambique’s national gal’s support for Serbia’s European integration According to media reports, Portuguese compa- strategy against HIV/AIDS. process, were high on the agenda. ny Portucel may eventually build a second paper pulp factory in Mozambique’s Manica province. 23-28 August (Maputo): 30 August (Bucharest): Such a move would involve an additional invest- Speaker of the Angolan National Assembly Secretary of State for European Affairs Pedro ment of 21.5 billion, which will be added to the Paulo Kassoma met with President Armando Lourtie met with Romania’s Minister for For- 21.79 billion already announced by the company Guebuza and his counterpart Verónica Maca- eign Affairs Teodor Baconshi, and Minister for projects in that country. mo, among others. Kassoma also took this op- for European Affairs Bogdan Manoiu. Current portunity to sign a Parliamentary Cooperation EU issues such as the economic and financial 16-17 August (Windhoek): Program for 2010/2011, aimed at materializing crisis, the future multi-annual financial frame- President Armando Guebuza attended the 30th the protocol that exists in this field since 2003. work, the implementation of the Europe 2020 SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, Strategy, the European External Action and the with the situations in Zimbabwe, Lesotho and 25 August (Maputo): European Neighborhood Policy were high on Madagascar, the powers of the SADC Tribunal, In a reaction to recent rumors, Secretary-Gen- the agenda. and further economic integration high on the or- eral of Frelimo Filipe Paunde declared that there ganization’s agenda. were no plans to introduce new amendments to IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin | 12

30 August (Budapest): 13 August (São Tomé): 17-19 August (Díli): Secretary of State for European Affairs Pedro President Fradique de Menezes nominated Pa- Singapore’s Foreign Minister George Yeo vis- Lourtie met with his Hungarian counterpart trice Trovoada as Prime Minister. ited Timor and took the opportunity to meet Eniko Gyori to discuss current EU affairs. with his counterpart Zacarias Albano da Costa, 14 August (São Tomé): President José Ramos-Horta, opposition leader 31 August (Skopje): The new ADI minority government was sworn in. Marí Alkatiri, Acting Prime Minister José Luís Secretary of State for European Affairs Pedro Guterres, President of the National Parliament Lourtie met with the Deputy Prime Minister for 17 August (Libreville): Fernando de Araújo and Special Representative European Affairs of the Former Yugoslav Repub- President Fradique de Menezes attended cele- for the UN Secretary-General in Timor Leste lic of Macedonia Vasko Naumovski to discuss brations for Gabon’s 50th independence anniver- Ameerah Haq. Strengthening ties between the the country’s possible EU adhesion and Portu- sary, alongside dozens of other African Heads of two nations – including technical assistance to gal’s support for the ongoing reforms needed to State. Timor Leste under the Singapore Cooperation reach this goal. Program (SCP) – and Timor Leste’s adhesion to 17 August (São Tomé): ASEAN were high on the agenda. Following a meeting with the new Prime Minis- São Tomé ter, Patrice Trovoada, Russian ambassador Ser- 20-21 August (Díli): gei Nenachev announced that his country plans Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Nyan Win paid and Príncipe to provide economic support to the country in a controversial visit to Timor Leste, marred by the oil, hydroelectric power and fishing sectors. public protests over human rights abuses by 1 August (São Tomé): the military junta. U Nyan Win met with Presi- Legislative elections took place and the Inde- dent Ramos-Horta. Despite his past criticism of pendent Democratic Action (ADI) won with 26 Timor Leste Myanmar’s rulers, President Ramos-Horta pro- out of a possible 55 seats. The Movement for fessed his wish for better relations between the the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe/So- 1 August (Manila): two countries, including commercial ties. cial Democratic Party (MLSTP/PSD), headed According to the latest edition of the Asian De- by Prime Minister Rafael Branco, came second velopment Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Economic Moni- 24 August (Díli): with 21 seats. The Party of Democratic Con- tor, Timor Leste is expected to experience high Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão called for closer vergence (PCD) came in third place with seven economic growth – due to continued increases military ties with China in a speech delivered at seats, while President Fradique de Menezes’s in government expenditure and improved agri- the ceremony marking the start of construction Force for Democratic Change Movement/Liberal cultural production – which will in turn result in work on new joint headquarters for the Timorese Party (MDFM/PL) won just one seat. ADI did not an upgrade of projected economic growth in the military and defense department, wholly funded achieve an absolute majority. Pacific region overall. by the Chinese government.

8 August (São Tomé): 9 August (Suva): 25 August (Díli): Elections were repeated in the Belém and Rib- Foreign Minister Zacarias Albano da Costa met President Ramos-Horta pardoned those in- amato districts due to irregularities, but the final with Minister for Fiji’s Foreign Affairs, Interna- volved in the 2008 attacks during which he was outcome did not change. tional Cooperation and Civil Aviation Ratu Inoke shot and nearly died. Kubuabola. Costa expressed Timor Leste’s in- terest in joining the Pacific’s Melanesian Spear- head Group (MSG).

Editor | Paulo Gorjão assistant editorS | Kai Thaler • Laura Tereno • Pedro Seabra DESIGN | Atelier Teresa Cardoso Bastos PRINTING | Europress

Portuguese Institute of International Relations and Security (IPRIS) Rua Vitorino Nemésio, 5 - 1750-306 Lisboa PORTUGAL http://www.ipris.org email: [email protected]

IPRIS Lusophone Countries Bulletin is a publication of IPRIS. The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IPRIS.