Mann points the finger at Mark Thatcher

The Old Etonian and former SAS officer Simon Mann (pictured) told a court in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday that both Spain and South Africa "gave the green light" for the attempted coup to overthrow President Obiang. Mann, who claims to have been an "instrument" in the plot and not its leader, once again accused Sir Mark Thatcher of being one of the plot's main organisers. He also claimed that the London-based Lebanese millionaire Eli Calil was the “boss” of the coup.

Equatorial Guinea prosecutors have asked that Mann serve at least 30 years in jail but by providing hard evidence against the plot’s backers and organisers Mann is hoping to bargain for an early release. Mann told the court said that Thatcher is “known as a dirty player who lives his life getting himself involved in all sorts of dubious deals that are of benefit to himself... Mark Thatcher quickly jumped into this boat and became part and parcel of this plot”.

Thatcher has always denied any involvement in the coup. He claims that a helicopter he helped finance was to be used as an air ambulance. Unimpressed with his excuse, the authorities in Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea, issued an arrest warrant for him in March.

Mann said that the coup was an “official operation” but Spain and South Africa’s “involvement was clandestine and they will never admit it”. Concluding his own defence, Mann said: “I am very, very sorry for what I have done. I am also very happy that we failed... I think that the people that were seriously involved in this and have not faced justice, they should do so.”

Mann's trial is being held at a conference centre in Malabo amid heavy security. He is led to and from the court by armed guards equipped with assault rifles while armored vehicles patrol the streets. A verdict is expected on Thursday.