Government Toppled While President Away
Soldiers toppled the government of the tiny West African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe while President Fradique de Menezes was in neighboring Nigeria. Troops with machine guns patrolled the quiet streets of the capital, Sao Tome.
Nigeria, which expects to help Sao Tome and Principe develop its oil reserves, issued a warning that fell just short of a threat of military intervention, should its interests be jeopardized. Coup leader Maj. Fernando Pereira said he wanted to form a transitional government. Soldiers said they acted to end poverty.
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