Ex-SAS Mercenary Simon Mann Dies After Leading Failed Equatorial Guinea Coup

Simon Mann, a former SAS officer and mercenary known for leading the failed 2004 "Wonga Coup" attempt to overthrow Equatorial Guinea's president, died at age 72 while exercising. Educated at Eton and Sandhurst, Mann had a distinguished military career in the Scots Guards and SAS before becoming involved in private military contracting and security operations in Africa. The coup attempt involved landing in Zimbabwe with weapons and mercenaries to depose President Teodoro Obiang and replace him with an opposition figure, aiming to exploit the country's oil and gas reserves. Mann was arrested, sentenced to prison in Zimbabwe, and later extradited to Equatorial Guinea's notorious Black Beach prison, serving over five years before being pardoned and released. His life was marked by extreme danger, imprisonment, and controversy, including connections to notable figures such as Mark Thatcher and involvement in complex plots with international backers. Friends noted his health may have been affected by his harsh prison conditions and injuries sustained during his military service.