## Zimbabwe’s Secret Role in Foiling Equatorial Guinea Coup: An Interview with Happyton Bonyongwe
**World-Today-News.com:** Happyton Bonyongwe,thank you for speaking with us today. Your memoir, “One Among Manny,” reveals a engaging and previously unknown chapter in Zimbabwe’s history: the country’s pivotal role in foiling the 2004 Equatorial Guinea coup attempt. Can you elaborate on Zimbabwe’s involvement in this operation?
**Happyton Bonyongwe:** The 2004 Equatorial Guinea coup attempt was a complex international affair, and Zimbabwe found itself at the centre of it. We received intelligence regarding the plot, which was being organized by a group of mercenaries led by Simon Mann, a former British SAS soldier.My team at the Central Intelligence organisation (CIO) worked tirelessly to gather data and track the mercenaries’ movements.
**World-Today-News.com:** What was the nature of the intelligence Zimbabwe possessed,and how did it led to the apprehension of the mercenaries?
**Happyton Bonyongwe:** We had multiple sources,including human intelligence and intercepted communications,that painted a clear picture of the coup plotters’ plans. We knew thier destination, their numbers, and even the type of aircraft they were using. This allowed us to anticipate their arrival and coordinate with the appropriate authorities.
**World-Today-News.com:** The arrest of the mercenaries at Harare’s Manyame Airbase was a significant event. Can you walk us through the events of that day?
**Happyton Bonyongwe:** On March 7, 2004, we were ready for their arrival. The mercenaries landed at Manyame, unaware that they were walking into a carefully laid trap. Our security forces swiftly moved in and apprehended them. This operation demonstrated Zimbabwe’s capability and commitment to regional security.
**World-Today-News.com:** Did the involvement of a former British SAS officer in this operation raise any diplomatic tensions with the UK at the time?
**Happyton Bonyongwe:** The involvement of a British citizen certainly complicated matters diplomatically. We maintained open communication with the British authorities throughout the process. However,our primary responsibility was to thwart the coup attempt,and we acted accordingly within the framework of international law.
**World-Today-News.com:** Your book sheds light on a crucial event that hasn’t received much public attention. Why do you believe it’s crucial to reveal this story now?
**Happyton Bonyongwe:** History often overlooks the multifaceted roles played by intelligence agencies. this event exemplifies Zimbabwe’s contribution to regional stability and its commitment to upholding international order. By sharing this story, I hope to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations and the often unseen work of intelligence operations.
**World-Today-News.com:** Mr. Bonyongwe, thank you for sharing your insights and for shedding light on this important historical event.
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