Armed Forces of São Tomé and Príncipe

Armed Forces of São Tomé and Príncipe
Armed Forces of São Tomé and Príncipe
Forças Armadas de São Tomé e Príncipe
Service branches	Army; Coast Guard; Marine Corps; National Guard; Presidential Guard;
Headquarters	São Tomé
Leadership
President	Carlos Vila Nova
Prime Minister	Patrice Trovoada
Minister of Defence and Internal Order	Lieutenant colonel Óscar Sousa
Chief of Staff	Brigadier Idalécio Pachire
Personnel
Military age	15–49
Conscription	No
Fit for; military service	20,188, age 15–49
Reaching military; age annually	38,347
Active personnel	300 (2009)
Expenditure
Budget	$561,771 (2020)
Percent of GDP	0.1% (2020)
Industry
Foreign suppliers	Portugal; United States
Related articles
Ranks	Military ranks of São Tomé and Príncipe

The Armed Forces of São Tomé and Príncipe (Portuguese: Forças Armadas de São Tomé e Príncipe, FASTP) are the armed forces of the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, off the coast of West Africa. The islands' military consists of a small land and naval contingent, with a limited budget. Sitting adjacent to strategically important sea lane of communication in the Gulf of Guinea, due to recent concerns about regional security issues including security for oil tankers transiting the area, the US military and other foreign navies have increased their engagement with the FASTP, providing the country with assistance in the form of construction projects and training missions, as well as integration into international information and intelligence sharing programs.

History

The formation dates back to 1968.^{[citation needed]} In the early years of independence only a barrack police force of insignificant numbers was maintained.^[1] The FASTP remains a very small force, consisting of four branches: Army (Exército), Coast Guard (Guarda Costeira also called "Navy"), Presidential Guard (Guarda Presidencial), and the National Guard. There is no air force. Since the end of the Cold War, the nation's military budget has been steadily decreased. Despite the discovery of large oil reserves in the mid-2000s the Sao Tomean military is largely reliant upon foreign financial assistance, and it remains the least funded force in Africa.^[2] In the 2005 fiscal year, military expenditures were $581,729, about 0.8% of São Tomé and Príncipe's gross domestic product. A 2004 estimate put military manpower availability (males age 15–49) at 38,347, with a "fit for military service" estimate of 20,188.^[3] In a 2009 article, it was reported the FASTP consisted of a total of just 300 soldiers,^[4] which was reduced from 600 after an unsuccessful coup attempt in 2003 resulted in a reorganization aimed at ensuring an apolitical military that is subordinated to civilian political structures. It is believed that the Army is formed into two companies, headquartered on the main island of Sao Tome, with a detachment on the smaller island of Principe.^[2]

Capabilities

São Tomé and Príncipe's military is a small force – reputedly the smallest in Africa – with almost no resources at its disposal and would be wholly ineffective operating unilaterally with no force projection capabilities. Additionally, legislatively there is no requirement for personnel to deploy overseas and there is no reserve capacity.^[2] The limited equipment that the military possesses is reported nearing the end of its lifespan and while its basic small arms are considered simple to operate and maintain they may be of limited serviceability and may require refurbishment or replacement after 20–25 years in tropical climates. Poor pay, working conditions, and alleged nepotism in the promotion of officers have caused tension in the past, as evidenced by unsuccessful coups that were launched in 1995 and 2003.^[5]

These coups were ultimately unsuccessful and in the aftermath, reforms have been implemented by the government, with foreign financial assistance, to address the underlying issues that the coups highlighted and to work to improve civil-military relations within the nation. These reforms have been aimed at improving the army and providing it with a more defined role, focusing on realistic security concerns. As of 2005, command is exercised from the president, through the Minister of Defense, to the Chief of the Armed Forces staff.^[5] Nevertheless, tension between the military and the government of the island nation has remained, and in February 2014, elements of the military went on strike due to pay and conditions disputes, after which a new military chief was appointed by President Manuel Pinto da Costa with Colonel Justino Lima replacing Brigadier Felisberto Maria Segundo.^[6]

Branches

Army;
- National Guard;
- Presidential Guard.
Coast Guard, also called "Navy";
- Marine Corps, branch of the Coast Guard;

Ranks

Military and naval equipment

According to Jane's, São Tomé and Príncipe's military is equipped largely with low technology small arms, rocket launchers and some heavy machine guns. A limited anti-armor and air defense capability is also maintained, most of which has been sourced from former Soviet stocks. Uniforms and load carriage equipment were upgraded in 2007–08 following a donation from Portugal. Light vehicles have also been procured from South Africa and Nigeria.^[2]

Sao Tome has an exclusive economic zone of 142,563 square kilometers, and a naval force of around fifty volunteers.^[7] The country's coast guard's main role is the protection of this EEZ, and the areas where oil and gas exploration are being considered. In 2005, the US provided a 27-foot Boston Whaler Challenger (8.2 m) inshore patrol vessel.^[2] It has also been reported that the coast guard also operates some Zodiac Hurricane Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats, at least one Wilson Sons SY LAEP 10 Águia,^[8] and a 42-foot Archangel-Class Fast Response Boat.^[9]

Since 2018 the Portuguese Navy has had a patrol boat deployed in the country. ^[10]

Infantry weapons

International military engagement

São Tomé and Príncipe has traditionally had strong ties with both Portugal and Angola.^[2] In the past the United States has provided the country with occasional assistance; however, US interest in the region has increased since the start of the Global War of Terrorism. The position of the country along strategically important sea lanes of communication along the west African coast, as well as rising concerns about piracy and security for oil tankers transiting through the region, has seen increased foreign interest in the nation. This has seen São Tomé and Príncipe's military become part of the NATO-sponsored Maritime Safety and Security Information System, as well as the commencement of several engagement activities on the part of the US military.^[17] It has also seen Sao Tomean officers undertaking training in the United States under the terms of the International Military Education and Training program.^[2]

In 2002, it was announced that an unoccupied US naval facility would be established in the country, to be used mainly a stopover base for US military aircraft and ships transiting the area.^[18] In late 2004, the US Navy began exploring further options for maritime engagement in the Gulf of Guinea area, and delegates from Sao Tome and Principle attended a conference in Naples, Italy, after which the US submarine tender USS Emory S. Land conducted a training mission in the area as part of steps towards the establishment of United States Africa Command.^[19]

In July 2005, USCGC Bear, under the command of then-Commander Robert Wagner, visited and conducted training sessions for personnel from the São Tomé and Príncipe coast guard as part of US international engagement efforts. In July 2007, the Military Sealift Command-contracted cargo ship CEC Endeavor delivered construction equipment to São Tomé as part of a construction effort by US Navy personnel from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 and Underwater Construction Team One, to renovate the boat ramp for the Santomean coast guard base (currently the only boat ramp is unable to launch patrol boats due to erosion and shallow slope into the water) as well as to build a guard house for the base.^[20] In 2015, elements of the country's coast guard took part in a multinational exercise, Exercise Obangame, with the US Navy and other African nations which included training focused upon "boarding techniques, search and rescue operations, medical casualty response, radio communication, and information management techniques".^[21] As part of the exercise, the Portuguese frigate Bartolmeu Dias made a port visit to São Tomé and Príncipe to provide training to local naval personnel.^[22] Portugal has also provided communications training, while France, the United Kingdom and South Africa have also provided assistance.^[2]

Between 2018 and 2023, the exclusive economic zone of São Tomé and Príncipe was supervised by the ship NRP Zaire of the Portuguese Navy, with a Portuguese and Sao Tomean crew, serving for the local military to improve their techniques and the development of defense and maritime security capabilities in the Gulf of Guinea. The Portuguese Marines aboard this vessel have been training the military of São Tomé in techniques for boarding ships on the high seas. Since 2015, the Portuguese vessel has also been helping people on the high seas and fighting piracy.^[23]^[24] In 2023, the patrol vessel NRP Zaire was replaced by the NRP Centauro patrol boat and the EAV Príncipe patrol vessel.^[25]

References

This article incorporates public domain material from "Sao Tome and Principe". The World Factbook. CIA.

^ Keegan, John (1979). World Armies. p. 606. ISBN 0-333-17236-1.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h "Sao Tome and Principe". Jane's Sentinel Security Assessment – Central Africa (subscription required). IHS. Retrieved 18 October 2016.
^ Coutsoukis, Photius. "Sao Tome and Principe Military – 2004". Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^ "Sao Tome Sparks American Military Interest". VOA News. 28 October 2009. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^ ^a ^b "The World Factbook". Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
^ Neto, Ricardo; Bavier, Joe; Lyon, Alistair (19 February 2014). "Sao Tome names new military chief amid army unrest". Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^ Pham, J. Peter. "São Tomé and Príncipe: An African Exception". Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^ Fan, Ricardo (4 July 2014). "Defesa doa lancha de patrulha para Guarda Costeira de São Tomé e Príncipe". Retrieved 19 August 2024.
^ "Guarda Costeira recebe mais uma embarcação de patrulha". Telanon.info. 9 July 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
^ "Portugal and São Tomé e Príncipe sign a new cooperation agreement for Defence". www.portugal.gov.pt. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
^ "MB realiza adestramentos com Guarda Costeira de São Tomé e Príncipe". 27 March 2017.
^ "Governo vai nomear Comandante do Exército". 13 October 2016.
^ Limited, Alamy. "People watch as an army armored vehicle arrives at the site of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, CPLP, summit Monday, July 26 2004, in Sao Tome, the capital of Sao Tome & Principe. Heads of state or government of the eight member countries, Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, East Timor and Sao Tome & Principe attended the summit. (AP Photo/Armando Franca Stock Photo - Alamy". www.alamy.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
^ "Governo de São Tomé e Príncipe - Comemora-se hoje, dia 6 de Setembro, o 45 aniversário das Forças Armadas de São Tomé e Príncipe. A Cerimónia foi presidida pelo Presidente da Republica, Evaristo Carvalho. Importa salientar que este ano, o acto central decorreu de forma simbólica, sem o habitual Juramento da Bandeira por parte dos novos recrutas, devido à pandemia do covid-19. | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
^ "São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe / STP: National Library - soldiers ..." www.google.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
^ "São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe / STP: army band on the back of a Daihatsu Delta truck - waterfront avenue / banda militar num camião Daihatsu Delta - Avenida Maginal 12 de Julho, antiga av. Barão de Agua Izé - photo by M.Torres - Travel-Images.com". www.travel-images.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
^ Rahman, Chris. "The Global Maritime Partnership Initiative Implications for the Royal Australian Navy" (PDF). Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs (24). Commonwealth of Australia: 43. ISSN 1327-5658.
^ "US naval base to protect Sao Tome oil". BBC News World Edition. 22 August 2002. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^ Pham, J. Peter (2008). "America's New Africa Command: Paradigm Shift or Step Backwards?" (PDF). Brown Journal of World Affairs. XV (Fall/Winter): 257–272.
^ Bringham, Gillian (13 July 2007). "Seabee Equipment Delivered to Sao Tome". US Navy. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^ "Exercise Obangame Express 2015 commences". DefenceWeb. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^ "Portuguese frigate Bartolomeu Dias visiting Angola". DefenceWeb. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
^ Redação (26 January 2023). "Navio NRP ZAIRE assinala 5.º ano de missão em São Tomé e Príncipe". Rádio Somos Todos Primos (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ "NRP Zaire largou para missão em São Tomé e Príncipe há 5 anos". Marinha (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 4 April 2023.
^ Redação (5 May 2023). "NRP "Setúbal" e NRP "Centauro" em São Tomé e Príncipe no âmbito da Iniciativa "Mar Aberto" e da Missão de capacitação da Guarda Costeira São-tomense". Rádio Somos Todos Primos (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 8 July 2023.

[1] Keegan, John (1979). World Armies. p. 606. ISBN 0-333-17236-1.

[janes-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h "Sao Tome and Principe". Jane's Sentinel Security Assessment – Central Africa (subscription required). IHS. Retrieved 18 October 2016.

[3] Coutsoukis, Photius. "Sao Tome and Principe Military – 2004". Retrieved 17 October 2016.

[voa-4] "Sao Tome Sparks American Military Interest". VOA News. 28 October 2009. Retrieved 17 October 2016.

[CIA-5] "The World Factbook". Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 23 October 2014.

[6] Neto, Ricardo; Bavier, Joe; Lyon, Alistair (19 February 2014). "Sao Tome names new military chief amid army unrest". Reuters. Archived from the original on 26 April 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2016.

[7] Pham, J. Peter. "São Tomé and Príncipe: An African Exception". Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Retrieved 17 October 2016.

[8] Fan, Ricardo (4 July 2014). "Defesa doa lancha de patrulha para Guarda Costeira de São Tomé e Príncipe". Retrieved 19 August 2024.

[9] "Guarda Costeira recebe mais uma embarcação de patrulha". Telanon.info. 9 July 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2014.

[10] "Portugal and São Tomé e Príncipe sign a new cooperation agreement for Defence". www.portugal.gov.pt. Retrieved 15 February 2024.

[11] "MB realiza adestramentos com Guarda Costeira de São Tomé e Príncipe". 27 March 2017.

[12] "Governo vai nomear Comandante do Exército". 13 October 2016.

[13] Limited, Alamy. "People watch as an army armored vehicle arrives at the site of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, CPLP, summit Monday, July 26 2004, in Sao Tome, the capital of Sao Tome & Principe. Heads of state or government of the eight member countries, Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, East Timor and Sao Tome & Principe attended the summit. (AP Photo/Armando Franca Stock Photo - Alamy". www.alamy.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)

[14] "Governo de São Tomé e Príncipe - Comemora-se hoje, dia 6 de Setembro, o 45 aniversário das Forças Armadas de São Tomé e Príncipe. A Cerimónia foi presidida pelo Presidente da Republica, Evaristo Carvalho. Importa salientar que este ano, o acto central decorreu de forma simbólica, sem o habitual Juramento da Bandeira por parte dos novos recrutas, devido à pandemia do covid-19. | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024.

[15] "São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe / STP: National Library - soldiers ..." www.google.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024.

[16] "São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe / STP: army band on the back of a Daihatsu Delta truck - waterfront avenue / banda militar num camião Daihatsu Delta - Avenida Maginal 12 de Julho, antiga av. Barão de Agua Izé - photo by M.Torres - Travel-Images.com". www.travel-images.com. Retrieved 19 August 2024.

[17] Rahman, Chris. "The Global Maritime Partnership Initiative Implications for the Royal Australian Navy" (PDF). Papers in Australian Maritime Affairs (24). Commonwealth of Australia: 43. ISSN 1327-5658.

[18] "US naval base to protect Sao Tome oil". BBC News World Edition. 22 August 2002. Retrieved 17 October 2016.

[19] Pham, J. Peter (2008). "America's New Africa Command: Paradigm Shift or Step Backwards?" (PDF). Brown Journal of World Affairs. XV (Fall/Winter): 257–272.

[20] Bringham, Gillian (13 July 2007). "Seabee Equipment Delivered to Sao Tome". US Navy. Retrieved 17 October 2016.

[21] "Exercise Obangame Express 2015 commences". DefenceWeb. 22 March 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2016.

[22] "Portuguese frigate Bartolomeu Dias visiting Angola". DefenceWeb. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2016.

[23] Redação (26 January 2023). "Navio NRP ZAIRE assinala 5.º ano de missão em São Tomé e Príncipe". Rádio Somos Todos Primos (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[24] "NRP Zaire largou para missão em São Tomé e Príncipe há 5 anos". Marinha (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 4 April 2023.

[25] Redação (5 May 2023). "NRP "Setúbal" e NRP "Centauro" em São Tomé e Príncipe no âmbito da Iniciativa "Mar Aberto" e da Missão de capacitação da Guarda Costeira São-tomense". Rádio Somos Todos Primos (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 8 July 2023.

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Armed Forces of São Tomé and Príncipe

History

Capabilities

Branches

Ranks

Military and naval equipment

Infantry weapons

Anti-aircraft artillery

Anti-armor

Vehicles

International military engagement

References

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