In a message addressed to Carlos Vila Nova, President of the Sao Tome Republic, João Lourenço expressed "particular dismay" at the disappearance of an "eminent figure in the political landscape of Sao Tome and Principe, widely recognized for his tireless dedication to his country", who led him to direct all the organs of State sovereignty along "an extraordinary course of life".
The head of state concluded by addressing his Sao Tome counterpart and the family "heartfelt condolences for the loss of such an illustrious son of Sao Tome and Principe", on his behalf and that of the Angolan executive.
The former president of São Tomé and Príncipe Evaristo Carvalho died on Saturday, aged 80, in Lisbon, a victim of a prolonged illness.
Elected president of São Tomé and Príncipe on 18 July 2016, Evaristo Carvalho held office until 2 October 2021, when he was succeeded by Carlos Vila Nova.
Father of 25 children, Evaristo Carvalho was a history of Sao Tome politics, having been, on two occasions, prime minister in presidential-initiated governments. He was also president of the National Assembly, minister and deputy.
An agricultural technician, Evaristo Carvalho started out as a member of the single party - Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe - Social Democratic Party (MLSTP-PSD) - after independence and until the beginning of multipartyism in the 1990s.
He was Miguel Trovoada's chief of staff when he was President of the Republic and joined the Independent Democratic Action (ADI), a party today led by the former prime minister's son, Patrice Trovoada.
