Batepá

Batepá is a term used to refer to a historical event and the people involved in a massacre that occurred in São Tomé and Príncipe in 1953. The "Batepá Massacre" involved the suppression of protests by local Forros (descendants of freed slaves) against the colonial Portuguese authorities. The protests stemmed from forced labor policies and unfair land distribution practices imposed by the colonial government, particularly related to cocoa plantations.

The term "Batepá" itself carries significant weight in São Tomé and Príncipe, representing a period of colonial violence and oppression. It is often used in discussions about the nation's history, identity, and struggle for independence, which was ultimately achieved in 1975. The events of Batepá are commemorated annually and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Forro population. The exact number of victims remains disputed, but estimates range from hundreds to thousands. The massacre is a central part of the national narrative and continues to influence political and social discourse in the country.