Sao Tome and Principe has a lengthy coastline that remained porous and vulnerable to terrorist activities, smuggling, human trafficking, and other illegal activities. While there have been no reports of terrorist activity, the country's capacity to monitor and disrupt terrorist threats was limited due to lack of resources, lack of adequate equipment and infrastructure, and insufficient administrative and financial capacity.

Despite the lack of resources and capabilities, Sao Tome and Principe cooperated with the United States and other partners in its efforts to counter terrorism. Working with the United States, Sao Tome and Principe trained and equipped local security forces in counterterrorism and maritime security to build institutional capacity and knowledge. The government created regulatory and management bodies in an effort to improve control of its border. The Sao Tomean immigration service terminated or refused visas of individuals suspected of money laundering, created a Maritime and Port Security Institute, funded the establishment of a Financial Intelligence Unit at the Central Bank, and supported the establishment of a radar and tracking systems program with the Sao Tomean Coast Guard.

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