Russia's foreign ministry confirmed two of its citizens were among the hostages taken between the Cameroonian port of Douala and the port of Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.

BBC: Pirates attack British cargo ship in Gulf of Guinea

During the 17th African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea expressed its availability to host a permanent training centre for Young Volunteers.

UNESCO: African Union Youth Volunteers Programme

Mann is being held at the notorious Black Beach prison in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea.

BBC: E Guinea seeks Thatcher's arrest