2003 São Tomé and Príncipe coup attempt
| Date | 16–23 July 2003 |
|---|---|
| Location | São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe |
| Type | Military coup |
| Motive | Regime change |
| Target | Presidential Palace, São Tomé |
| Organised by | Fernando Pereira |
| Participants | Faction within the Armed Forces |
| Outcome | Coup fails
|
The 2003 São Tomé and Príncipe coup d'état attempt was an attempted military coup in São Tomé and Príncipe on July 16, 2003. The coup was launched against the government of President Fradique de Menezes, and was led by Major Fernando Pereira. The coup leaders claimed that they had tried to overthrow the government to help stop poverty in the region.