Failed coup attempt in Sao Tome and Principe

A coup attempt has been foiled in the West African island nation of Sao Tome and Principe.

Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada said four men managed to enter the army headquarters while another armed group waited outside.

The ringleaders were arrested after two hours of heavy gunfire and explosions.

Mr Trovoada said one of them was the outgoing head of the National Assembly and former presidential candidate, Delfim Neves.

Another was a former mercenary who staged an attempted coup 13 years ago.

The West African regional bloc Ecowas condemned the coup attempt, describing Sao Tome as a model of parliamentary democracy in Africa.

There have been a number of coups and attempted military takeovers since Sao Tome and Principe gained independence from Portugal in 1975.