The CPLP member states -- and especially Angola and Brazil -- wish to strengthen their bilateral economic relations with Equatorial Guinea, and benefit from its oil and gas wealth, as well as reinforce their geopolitical influence within the Gulf of Guinea. Unlike Angola and Brazil, Portugal's political and economic bilateral interests are of little relevance. However, Portugal will have to try to find a balance that embraces the interests and beliefs of domestic and external players.
One cannot fail to notice the discrepancies that are bound to deepen when Brazil puts its announcement regarding a MINUSTAH withdrawal into practice. Indeed, while still staking its claim for a seat on the UNSC, Brazil will surely find it harder to present its case as an engaged global security partner in current international affairs when its track record is compared to that of its peers, who remain fully committed to peacekeeping missions.
Table of Contents: Sean Goforth, "Brazil: Dilma's dilemma" Marina Costa Lobo, "Equatorial Guinea fakes reforms to enter the CPLP" Gerhard Seibert, "São Tomé and Príncipe: in the third attempt and after twenty years, a former autocrat returns to the presidency" Timeline of Events
