The government of tiny African nation Sao Tome and Principe was toppled in a military coup at dawn today, Portuguese news agency Lusareported.
Lusasaid that Prime Minister Maria das Neves had been arrested in the former Portuguese colony, along with other ministers including Public Works Minister Rafael Branco, who is responsible for the country's vital oil reserves.
Lusareported bursts of gunfire in the streets after the coup began at 3 a.m. local time (4 a.m. Irish time), but had no details of whether anyone was wounded.
Portuguese state television RTP reporter Ricardo Mota said the situation was "calm" and military patrols were visible on the streets.
The military were said to have taken over control of local television and radio stations, which were silent. No statement had been issued by the coup's organisers.
Sao Tome has a population of about 120,000 and comprises several small islands off the coast of West Africa.
