Britain 'did not disclose warning of coup plot'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The British Government was told of an alleged plot to overthrow Equatorial Guinea's government months in advance, it was reported yesterday. The revelations included the names of mercenaries and the expected date of the attack.
The British Government was told of an alleged plot to overthrow Equatorial Guinea's government months in advance, it was reported yesterday. The revelations included the names of mercenaries and the expected date of the attack.
Two senior MI6 officers were said to have been sent detailed reports in December 2003 and January 2004 by a former South African special forces commander, Johann Smith, who had learnt of the plot. The alleged coup was exposed in March by South African intelligence services, and scores of accused mercenaries were arrested in Equatorial Guinea and in Zimbabwe.
The Observer said that, despite clear obligations under international law, the British Government failed to warn the government of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.
The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told the House of Commons this month that his department had received "confidential information" about the plot in January, but could not verify it independently, and so did not pass it on.
Meanwhile, the European Union commissioner Peter Mandelson dismissed claims that South African police were hoping to question him over the alleged coup.
He was said to have twice spoken to Ely Calil, a Lebanese businessman alleged to have helped finance the action, about the British Government's attitude towards a regime change.
Mr Mandelson said: "I have consistently denied speaking to Mr Calil about this and he has also confirmed that there has not been any discussion between us."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments