Sao Tome & Principe Travel Security

Under normal conditions, there are few security risks involved in a trip to Sao Tome and Principe. A coup in 2003 and unrest in early 2006, however, raised questions about the country's stability and account for the risk rating of 4.

High-risk Areas

None.

Legislative power is vested in a 55-seat national assembly that holds two sessions a year. There are six district assemblies on Sao Tome. The island of Principe has had a seven-member regional assembly since being granted political and administrative autonomy in 1994.

Fradique de Menezes, a wealthy cocoa exporter, was elected president in 2001 and re-elected in July 2006. A week-long military coup in July 2003 toppled his government, while the president was on a private visit to Nigeria. He returned to Sao Tome after an agreement was reached with the coup leaders to restore democratic rule.

Power is constitutionally split between president and prime minister, which has led to several cohabitation governments. The March 2006 legislative elections, however, saw the end of cohabitation government; the president's alliance of parties won 23 seats in parliament, while an opposition alliance won 20 seats. This allowed the president to appoint a prime minister from his own party coalition for the first time since 2001.

Sao Tome and Principe is trying to shake off its dependence on the cocoa crop; falls in production and prices in recent years have left the island state heavily reliant on foreign aid. The government has been encouraging economic diversification and is set to exploit the billions of barrels of oil that are thought to lie off the country's coast.

Sao Tome and Principe and Nigeria, which share part of the territorial waters, have set up an offshore joint development zone that, oil companies say, could produce 250,000 barrels of oil a day. Drilling is under way and commercial production is expected to begin within a few years.

Under the agreement, Nigeria will take 60% of the profits and Sao Tome and Principe 40%. Oil licensing has been controversial. Certain companies were given preferential rights several years ago, and the government has since renegotiated more favorable terms to other companies. Alleged irregularities in the adjudication process for awarding licenses delayed the final award of the blocks. Some analysts believe that potential oil riches, rather than internal woes, may have spurred the 2003 coup.

Historical background

Following independence from Portugal in 1974, the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe for many years was the country's sole political party. In 1990, a new constitution provided for a multiparty political system, the abolition of the death penalty, guarantees on human rights, and a maximum of two five-year terms of office for the president.

Before the coup, political life in Sao Tome and Principe was effectively under the control of about a dozen families descended from the offspring of Portuguese colonists and freed African slaves. Since 1991, there have been eight governments, and the political scene has been dominated by power struggles between the president and government, party in-fighting, widespread corruption and administrative paralysis.

Civil unrest

Since independence, Sao Tome and Principe has been a relatively stable country with few reports of significant civil or political unrest. However, in 2003, amid widespread discontent, a group of army rebels plotted a coup, seized power and declared a junta of national salvation, saying they would form a government for an unspecified transition period.

After a few days, however, a coalition of African nations brokered a peace deal based on power-sharing and increased transparency in government. The existing government was reinstated, and the coup plotters, known as "Buffalo Soldiers," turned in their weapons to the army. There is a slight possibility that another coup may occur in the future.

In January 2006, a group of disgruntled police officers led by the deputy chief of police seized the main police station in the capital, Sao Tome, to protest unpaid salaries and poor working conditions. Shots were reportedly fired into the air during the siege, and army patrols were sent in to foster negotiations with the officers. The revolt ended peacefully.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is routine and pervasive, especially in the capital. It's very rare for criminals to use weapons, and most crime is nonviolent. Take particular care in public places, particularly markets, on the streets and near hotels. Take sensible precautions and avoid carrying valuables in public. Theft of wallets is common on beaches, and thefts from vehicles occur occasionally.

Police effectiveness

Local police are ill-trained and poorly equipped. Visitors who are victims of a crime should go immediately to the management of the hotel where they are staying for assistance in dealing with the police.

During the rainy season, September-May, flooding is possible; some roads may be impassable.

The provision of health care is very limited.

Medical facilities

There is one hospital in the country, on the island of Sao Tome, along with several clinics. However, the level of care is low, and some medications are not available.

For all but minor medical needs, travel to Libreville in Gabon or Lisbon, Portugal, will be necessary. The limited availability of flights may make such travel at short notice difficult. Medical insurance that covers emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.

Diseases

Malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains, is endemic. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and see your doctor about malaria-preventive medications before departing on your trip.

There are frequent outbreaks of cholera. You should observe careful food and hygiene measures.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Cholera is usually contracted after consuming contaminated water or food. In areas where the disease is endemic, visitors should take care not to consume untreated water (including ice) or eat undercooked or raw foods, especially fish or shellfish. Stick to beverages and ice that are made from boiled or chlorinated water or that are carbonated. Foods that are cooked and served hot are usually safe. Fruits and vegetables that you wash with clean water and peel yourself also are generally safe. Don't assume that food and beverages served on airline flights, trains or vessels departing from affected areas are safe--items served on board the aircraft may have been locally obtained and could be contaminated. Seek medical assistance if you think you may have been exposed.

Waterborne diseases can cause a variety of serious health problems, including cholera, norovirus and amebiasis. In areas where chlorinated water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are generally poor, you should consider both liquid water and ice unsafe. Stick to the following, which generally are considered safe: Beverages made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee; canned or bottled carbonated beverages; beer; and wine. It's usually safer to drink beverages directly from the bottle or can, but be sure to wipe off any water on the outside of the container. In areas where water may be contaminated, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.

Because of limited infrastructure, travel in Sao Tome and Principe demands caution.

Road conditions

On Sao Tome, traffic is light, but the majority of roads are in poor condition, particularly outside Sao Tome town. Pedestrians and animals on the roads can be a major hazard. There is no street lighting outside the capital, and some roads may be impassable without a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Only a few miles/kilometers of paved roads exist on the island of Principe. Their condition is similar to those on Sao Tome.

Public transportation

There are no public buses. Although taking taxis is fairly safe, it is preferable to rent a car instead. If you must take a taxi, exercise caution, and negotiate the rate before entering the vehicle. Hotel vehicles may not be marked, so make sure you know in advance the name of the person who is to pick you up.

Additional information

Seats on the small aircraft that operate between the two islands need to be booked well in advance, or there is a risk of being stranded.

The government has been keen to promote the tourist industry--the islands are attractive, with idyllic beaches, and the people are friendly. It is also an ornithologist's paradise.

High airfares and poor connections, poor infrastructure, malaria and ignorance of the islands' existence have acted as deterrents to developing an active tourist trade, however. Phone service can be unreliable, and the limited number of flights could make it difficult for visitors to leave in the event of an emergency.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.