Three of Africa’s most violent coups that should never be forgotten

Equatorial Guinea, 1979

In August 1979, President Francisco Macías Nguema was overthrown by his nephew and current president Teodoro Obiang in a bloody coup.

When he was in power, Macias oversaw the killing of more than 30,000 people. He also ordered the murder of his family members including one of his nephews. Obiang, who was Macias deputy defence minister, instigated a coup with the help of the military and Cuban palace guards. It is reported that Spain and the United States also offered their support for Obiang.

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Macias fled to his hometown and was protected by loyalist military officials.  During this time at least 400 people were killed in the fight between the rival groups. Macias was later apprehended as he was trying to leave the country. He was charged with genocide and executed by firing squad.