Situation Report: Memorandum on S. Tome Principe, Johann Smith

The Government of São Tomé e Principe (STP) was overthrown in a military coup during the early hours of July 16, 2003. The group, led by the Commanding Officer of the Army Training College in STP, Major Fernando Pereira, also known as ‘Cobo’, executed the action. Bursts of gunfire and a series of explosions were reported in the streets of the former Portuguese colony after the coup began at 03:00 am (0400 GMT). There were no reports of casualties. The military has taken control of the central bank, the TV and radio stations, which were taken of the air, as well as the airport and other strategic installations. After securing control of these sites, the group issued a communiqué demanding that all Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament present themselves at the police headquarters.