Frenchman Arrested in Equatorial Guinea on Suspicion of Espionage

A French national described as a former military officer was arrested in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, on suspicion of espionage and links to an exiled opposition movement. State broadcaster TVGE reported that investigators allegedly found maps and sketches of border areas between Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon and Gabon. Authorities are also examining phone exchanges with a member of the Coalition for the Restoration of a Democratic State, which Malabo has designated a terrorist group. No clear evidence of espionage has been made public, and the case could further strain relations between Paris and Malabo.