Coup attempt in Seychelles by mercenaries led by Mike Hoare ends in failure.

A coup attempt in Seychelles was led by Mike Hoare, involving a group of South African-backed mercenaries. Mike Hoare, a former British army officer, assembled a team of 43 mercenaries from South Africa with the aim of overthrowing the government of President France-Albert René. The mercenaries, disguised as a beer-drinking club, arrived in Seychelles aboard a Royal Swazi National Airways flight, carrying their weapons hidden in luggage. However, upon arrival at Seychelles International Airport, their cover was blown when an airport security officer detected an AK-47 in a suitcase during a routine search. A gunfight ensued in the airport terminal, leading to the death of one mercenary and several injuries. Faced with escalating danger and diminishing chances of success, Hoare and his remaining men hijacked an Air India flight that was preparing to depart for Mumbai. The mercenaries forced the crew to fly to Durban, South Africa, where they were eventually arrested by South African authorities. The failed coup had notable international repercussions. South Africa faced scrutiny and condemnation for its support of the mercenaries, which strained its relations with other African nations and the international community. In Seychelles, the attempted coup solidified President René's grip on power, prompting increased security measures and political crackdowns. Subsequently, Mike Hoare and his men were tried in South Africa, where they were charged with hijacking and related offenses. Hoare received a 10-year prison sentence but was released after serving nearly three years. The incident highlighted the complexities of Cold War-era geopolitics in Africa and underscored the vulnerabilities faced by small island nations. #MoofLife #SeychellesCoup #MercenaryConflict #ColdWarAfrica #SouthAfricanPolitics