How much does it cost to overthrow the government of Gambia?
More than 220k, apparently:
The gang allegedly numbered 18-20 people and spent $220,798 on the attack, including $4,000 on two sniper “Barret” .50 calibre rifles that the accountant who compiled their expenses said were “not really necessary, but could be very useful”. Each man had $4,000 to cover costs while they were in Gambia.
But the coup attempt failed and this week, US federal prosecutors charged a Texas businessman with conspiring with a former US Army sergeant and others to orchestrate an attack in Gambia on the last two days of 2014.
There is more here in the FT. And here is a tidbit of note:
US authorities accuse Cherno Njie, a 57-year-old US citizen of Gambian descent who made a small fortune in the housing industry in Texas, of bankrolling the coup.
The article is interesting throughout, there was at least the ostensible motive of restoring democracy to the country. I wonder to what extent he viewed this as a philanthropic rather than selfish venture.