São Tomé Leaders Attack RTP África Over Media Bias Claims
A heated political row has broken out in São Tomé and Príncipe as opposition leaders intensify their attacks on the Portuguese broadcaster RTP África. Critics accuse the station of orchestrating a campaign to “denigrate” the nation’s image and meddle in internal politics ahead of upcoming elections.
Accusations of Political Bias
Conceição Moreno, vice-president of the opposition Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP), launched a scathing critique of the station on Tuesday. He accused RTP África journalists of acting as “poisonous” information gatekeepers who intentionally tarnish the reputation of sovereign bodies, including the President, the Prime Minister, and the National Assembly.
“RTP África cannot be a station where commentators only appear when elections are approaching,” Moreno stated. “There are journalists who cherry-pick news to poison information about the country.”
Moreno’s comments echo recent statements by the Speaker of Parliament, Abnildo D’Oliveira. Despite his past leadership within the Independent Democratic Action (ADI) party, D’Oliveira recently labeled the station’s local correspondents, Jerónimo Moniz and Óscar Medeiros, as “fierce militants” for the ADI, suggesting their reporting is ideologically driven.
Demands for Government Crackdown
The rhetoric has escalated into calls for official censorship. Moreno urged the São Toméan state to take disciplinary measures, drawing comparisons to actions taken in other Lusophone nations.
“In Guinea-Bissau, President Sissoco Embaló took measures when this happened,” Moreno argued. “We are allowing them to use an international radio channel to tarnish the country’s name. Authorities must act.”
President Carlos Vila Nova has also previously voiced dissatisfaction, urging the broadcaster to “rethink its editorial policy” regarding the archipelago and criticizing the fact that its main correspondent does not reside in the country full-time—a situation the station attributes to health reasons.
A Divided Parliament
The attacks on the media have not gone unchallenged. Members of the ADI party have rushed to the broadcaster’s defense, framing the criticism as an assault on press freedom.
“I want to congratulate RTP África for the excellent work done for the São Toméan nation by providing information with truth and clarity,” said ADI parliamentary leader Nito Abreu. He urged the station to remain “strong and firm” and not to be “intimidated by a dictatorship that has been installed in the country.”
When reached for comment by Lusa, correspondent Óscar Medeiros declined to respond to the allegations, while Jerónimo Moniz has yet to provide a statement. The controversy highlights a growing tension between political power and independent media in the lead-up to the nation’s next electoral cycle.
Image: Pexels – Thuong D
