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Zimbabwe’s Spy Agency and the Simon Mann Affair

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.

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