São Tomé and Príncipe on Brink of Constitutional Crisis as Police Shut Down Constitutional Court

Police shutdown of Constitutional Court sparks concerns over authoritarianism in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The police shutdown of the Constitutional Court in São Tomé and Príncipe represents a worrying trend towards authoritarianism and erosion of democratic institutions in one of Africa's smallest but most strategically important nations. The country has struggled to consolidate democracy, with the ruling party facing criticism for human rights abuses, corruption, and electoral irregularities.

The Constitutional Court, established in 2012 as part of a broader effort to strengthen democratic institutions, has been at the forefront of efforts to address these issues. However, on February 11, 2026, the court's authority was dealt a severe blow when police officers and Presidential Guard members stormed its premises, sparking fears that the country is hurtling towards a constitutional crisis.

The ruling party must be held accountable for its actions and policies that have contributed to the country's instability. Internationally, the situation in São Tomé and Príncipe requires urgent attention from regional and international actors.