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The Untold Story Of The Mercenary Invasion Of The Seychelles 1981 83

Adam Hayes

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Published in Death Row In Paradise: The Untold Story Of The Mercenary Invasion Of The Seychelles 1981 83

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In the annals of history, the tiny archipelago nation of the Seychelles has witnessed its share of turmoil and intrigue. One such episode, often veiled in secrecy, was the mercenary invasion that unfolded in 1981-83. This article aims to shed light on the untold story behind this audacious undertaking.

The Genesis of a Plan

The year was 1981, and the Seychelles, a newly independent nation in the Indian Ocean, was facing a political crisis. A group of dissident Seychellois exiles, led by Gerard Hoarau and Guy Sinon, had formed a shadowy organization known as the "Seychelles People's Liberation Army" (SPLA). Their goal: to overthrow President France-Albert René, who they accused of authoritarian rule.

Death Row in Paradise: The Untold Story of the Mercenary Invasion of the Seychelles 1981-83

by Aubrey Brooks

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	159 pages

Seeking support for their cause, the exiles turned to a veteran mercenary, Colonel Michael Hoare. Hoare, a British-born officer renowned for his exploits in the Congo and Angola, had a reputation for ruthlessness and efficiency. Intrigued by the opportunity, Hoare agreed to lead a mercenary force to seize power in the Seychelles.

Operation Falcon: The Invasion

The plan, codenamed "Operation Falcon," was meticulously crafted over several months. Hoare's team consisted of a motley crew of mercenaries, mostly former soldiers from South Africa, Rhodesia, and Europe. Their mission was to infiltrate the Seychelles, seize key government buildings, and install Hoarau as the new president.

On the night of November 24, 1981, the mercenaries launched their attack. They boarded two speedboats in the Comoros and navigated through treacherous seas to reach the Seychelles. Under the cover of darkness, they landed on Mahé, the main island of the archipelago.

Chaos in the Capital

The mercenaries swiftly seized the Seychelles International Airport and several other key points in the capital, Victoria. They encountered surprisingly little resistance from the small Seychellois army and police force. However, their victory was short-lived.

President René had been alerted to the invasion and had rallied a group of loyalists to defend his government. They were supported by a contingent of Indian paratroopers, who had been deployed to the Seychelles in response to a request for assistance.

A Bloody Counteroffensive

The counteroffensive by the Seychellois and Indian forces was swift and determined. They engaged in fierce street battles with the mercenaries, who were vastly outnumbered and outgunned. Hoare and his men found themselves trapped in a shrinking perimeter as the government forces closed in.

After three days of intense fighting, the mercenaries were cornered in the grounds of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Desperate for a way out, Hoare began negotiations for a surrender. The terms were harsh: the mercenaries would be disarmed and taken prisoner, while the Seychelles government pledged not to execute them.

The Legacy of Operation Falcon

On November 28, 1981, the mercenary invasion of the Seychelles came to an end. Over 70 mercenaries were captured, along with a substantial arsenal of weapons and equipment. Hoarau and Sinon, who had been arrested during the fighting, were sentenced to life imprisonment.

The invasion had a profound impact on the Seychelles. It shook the confidence of the nation's young government and exposed the vulnerability of the archipelago to external threats. It also brought the issue of mercenary activity to the forefront of international attention.

The Untold Stories

In the aftermath of the invasion, the full story behind Operation Falcon remained shrouded in secrecy. Many of the participants and witnesses were reluctant to speak out, fearing reprisals or embarrassment. However, in recent years, a number of books and documentaries have shed new light on the events of 1981-83.

One notable account is "The Seychelles Affair," written by Hoare himself. In this gripping autobiography, Hoare provides a firsthand account of the planning and execution of the invasion. He offers insights into the motivations of the mercenaries, the challenges they faced, and the ultimate failure of their mission.

Another important perspective comes from the book "Operation Falcon: The Rendezvous with Destiny," written by former mercenary Ted France. France provides a detailed and personal account of his experiences during the invasion, including his role in the surrender negotiations.

The Enduring Fascination

The mercenary invasion of the Seychelles continues to fascinate historians, journalists, and adventure enthusiasts alike. It is a story of audacious planning, daring adventure, and ultimate failure. It raises questions about the ethics of mercenary activity, the vulnerability of small nations, and the complex interplay between international relations and domestic politics.

As the years pass, the untold stories of the Seychelles invasion will continue to surface, providing new insights into this remarkable chapter in history. Whether it is the daring exploits of the mercenaries or the resilience of the Seychellois people, this episode remains a compelling tale of courage, intrigue, and the enduring human spirit.

Call to Action

If you are intrigued by the untold story of the mercenary invasion of the Seychelles, I invite you to explore the recommended books and documentaries listed below. These resources offer a wealth of information and firsthand accounts of this fascinating historical event.

Recommended Books:

* "The Seychelles Affair" by Michael Hoare * "Operation Falcon: The Rendezvous with Destiny" by Ted France