MORE MERCENARY NEWS

Following the detainment of Sir Mark Thatcher on mercenary charges (private sector terrorist, if you will) in South Africa, Zimbabwe today sentenced Simon Mann to 7 years in prison for his role in a foiled coup to overthrow the government of Equatorial Guinea. Mann, of course, is the co-founder of the euphamistically named Executive Outcomes, a mercenary group comprised of former apartheid-era South African special forces, as well as human rights abusers from all walks of the former Soviet bloc.

One of Mann's former associates at Executive Outcomes, Nick du Toit, is currently on trial for his life in Equatorial Guinea for his part in the alleged plot. Sir Mark Thatcher, son of former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, has been charged in South Africa with helping to fund the plot via a payment to a third party (he was trying to flee to the US). He has been subpoenaed to answer questions on September 22. Sir Mark denies any involvement or knowledge of the coup.

A total of 88 people are in custody in South Africa, Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe in connection with the plot.

Though not an endorsement of the regime in Equatorial Guinea, my sentiment is less mercenaries = good news.