|
|
|
|
|
Book review: The Wonga Coup
|
November 12, 2009
By Patrick Leeman
The Wonga Coup
Author: Adam Roberts
Publisher: Profile Books
Reviewer: Patrick Leeman
When it comes to attempted coups against governments in Africa, some people just never learn.
An excellent example of an incompetent would-be coup on the continent is illustrated in this new paperback, timely because of the recent release of mercenary Simon Mann and others from Equatorial Guinea.
In 2004, Mann, a former officer in the British SAS, concocted the coup plan, which was designed to obtain millions of dollars in oil revenue from the Guinea. Mann had on board the hapless Mark Thatcher, wayward son of the former British Prime Minister.
Thatcher escaped conviction with the payment of a huge fine by his famous mother. Mann, on the other hand, was tried, convicted and sent to prison for 32 years.
Roberts has created a compelling story, recording the account of the plan that went wrong with meticulous accuracy.
The "foot soldiers" who plotted the failed coup were arrested and interrogated in African prisons, where conditions left much to be desired.
The Wonga Coup was aimed at unseating the president of the Guinea.
It failed in spectacular fashion and the ill-educated president of that county, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, is still in charge of things.
[Email this story...]
[Easy Print...]
|
|
