Court dissolved main opposition party Citizens for Innovation for “undermining state security” 26 Feb and sentenced 21 out of 147 party supporters accused of “rebellion” to more than 30 years in prison.

Govt 3 Jan said it had thwarted attempted coup 24 Dec; some 39 mercenaries from Chad, Central African Republic and Sudan reportedly arrested in southern Cameroon near border with Equatorial Guinea 27 Dec. Govt accused opposition parties of having links to coup and arrested 135 opponents during Jan. Authorities 30 Dec reportedly arrested ambassador to Chad, President Obiang 23 Jan fired ambassador citing “irregularities committed in the exercise of his functions”.

Assailants 17 Feb launched seaborne assault on capital Malabo, reportedly approaching presidential compound; repelled after hours of fighting; 16 arrested. Initially reported as attempted coup, but E-G govt, analysts increasingly stressed militants from Nigeria’s Niger Delta responsible, amid growing fears over spread of Delta violence. Dominant Delta group MEND denied; Nigerian FM visited 27 Feb in “solidarity” and reportedly to discuss security collaboration, though Abuja denies attackers Nigerian. E-G’s national security minister and 3 senior security officials fired in wake.

Ex-rebel group Forces Nouvelles (FN) and government troops started disarmament process 22 December after joint parades in Tiebissou and Djebonoua. Government troops and FN to move away from front line positions – troops to Yamoussoukro, FN to Bouake – from which both will start to hand over weapons, but doubts persist over process. FN members staged protest in Bouake stronghold 18 December demanding outstanding bonus payments from commanders before Eid al-Adha festival.

Dismantling of militias, central measure of 4 March Ouagadougou accord, started 19 May after delays. Integration of military and census-taking for new elections yet to begin. Obstacles include budget constraints for retraining former fighters. President Laurent Gbagbo and PM Guillaume Soro publicly denied rumours of secret “deal”: their quick rapprochement has caused turmoil in G7 opposition alliance with Soro’s Forces Nouvelles accused by G7 of betraying their cause and siding with Gbagbo to secure political interests.

Apparent coup plot against despotic President Obiang foiled 7 March when 70 mercenaries arrested in Harare allegedly en-route to oil rich Equatorial Guinea. Some 15 other alleged mercenaries arrested in Equatorial Guinea - one later claimed plan was to overthrow Obiang and install exiled rival Severo Moto Nsa. Government responded by cracking down on foreigners, causing hundreds to flee.