Zimbabwe played a pivotal role in foiling a 2004 coup attempt in Equatorial Guinea, according to newly released revelations from the country’s former intelligence chief. Happyton Bonyongwe, who served as Director-General of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), details the operation in his memoir, “One Among Many: My Contribution to the Zimbabwean Story.”
The plot, led by former British Special Air Services (SAS) officer Simon Mann, involved 64 mercenaries, mostly South Africans, who were apprehended on March 7, 2004, at Harare’s Manyame Airbase. Their mission: to overthrow Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. The group had stopped in Zimbabwe to acquire weapons from the state-owned Zimbabwe Defense Industries (ZDI).
Bonyongwe’s account reveals how the CIO,in collaboration with Zimbabwean Military Intelligence and South Africa’s state Security Agency (SSA),meticulously tracked Mann’s movements. Intelligence uncovered the plot to replace Obiang with Severo Moto, an exiled opposition leader based in Spain.
“In January 2004, we received intelligence about a plane scheduled to collect weapons from Harare,” Bonyongwe writes. ”Although the initial flight was aborted due to technical issues in Zambia, further investigations exposed Mann’s intention to utilize Zimbabwe as a supply base.”
By February 2004, Bonyongwe had met with South Africa’s intelligence chief to coordinate efforts to thwart the coup, aligning with the African union’s stance against such actions. By March, Mann had paid $200,000 for the weapons, demonstrating his commitment to the operation.
On March 7, Mann’s plane, which had transported the mercenaries from South Africa’s Polokwane airport, landed in Harare. the entire crew, including Mann and his associates, were arrested.
the operation implicated several international actors. Mark Thatcher,son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher,was implicated as a financier and later fined and sentenced in South Africa. Allegations also surfaced that the U.S., UK, and Spain were aware of the coup but chose not to intervene, though all denied involvement.
Mann was extradited to Equatorial Guinea after serving part of his sentence in Zimbabwe. There, he received a pardon and later served as a security adviser to President Obiang. The foiled coup elevated Zimbabwe’s standing as a defender of african sovereignty and pan-African ideals.
“The operation reinforced Zimbabwe’s commitment to resisting foreign interference,” Bonyongwe states. “Despite economic challenges and strained diplomatic ties, the mission showcased the capabilities of Zimbabwe’s security apparatus in preserving continental stability.”
The failed coup had lasting repercussions for Equatorial Guinea, prompting significant infrastructure investments funded by its oil revenues. President obiang strengthened his influence in the African Union and hosted major events such as the african Cup of Nations.
Bonyongwe’s account offers a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of international espionage and the complexities of defending African sovereignty amid global power dynamics. ## 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.
