United Nations backs Obiang after coup attempt

The United Nations has promised to support Equatorial Guinea in its stabilisation efforts following an alleged coup attempt.

A UN special envoy to the country, Francois Fall, condemned any attempt to seize power by force.

Equatorial Guinea said it shot dead one mercenary on the Cameroonian border in late December.

At least 30 other armed men, from different parts of Africa, were arrested in Cameroon, allegedly on their way to Equatorial Guinea.

The country’s president Teodoro Obiang Nguema has been in power for 38 years. His government is often accused of corruption and human rights abuses.