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White Malice: The CIA and the Covert Recolonization of Africa
A revelatory new history of post-colonial African independence movements shows how they were systematically undermined by one nation: the US. This is the untold story of how, over a few vital years, African Independence was strangled at birth.
In 1958 in Accra, Ghana, the Hands Off Africa conference brought together the leading figures of African independence in a public show of political strength and purpose. It was inspired by the example of Ghana itself which, under the charismatic leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, had just thrown off the British colonial yoke - the first African nation to do so. It was moment heady with promise for independence movements across Africa, and for all those who believed colonialism was a moral aberration.
Among the supporters of African independence were some of the leading figures of the American Civil Rights movement. Malcolm X was in Accra and Martin Luther King used Nkrumah's speech as the basis for his own "Free At Last" speech, so clear were the parallels between their own struggle for political equality in the US with that of the African nations. W. E. B. Du Bois moved to Ghana, inspired by the future of independent Africa. Yet among the many official messages of support received by the conference the United States was conspicuously quiet, despite its historic and public opposition to colonialism. Vice President Nixon did attend the celebrations in Ghana and asked a group of black people, "How does it feel to be free?"They answered: "We wouldn't know. We're from Alabama".
The conference was also attended by a slew of strange societies, many of which were fronts, and behind them was the CIA. The CIA was in favor of the end of the British Empire but a pan-African independence movement, one susceptible to Soviet entreaties, looked like a security threat. Through original research and unparalleled insight, Susan Williams reveals how the CIA's baleful influence was felt from South Africa to the Congo as the agency prepared to move in as Africa's colonizers moved out.
In 1958 in Accra, Ghana, the Hands Off Africa conference brought together the leading figures of African independence in a public show of political strength and purpose. It was inspired by the example of Ghana itself which, under the charismatic leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, had just thrown off the British colonial yoke - the first African nation to do so. It was moment heady with promise for independence movements across Africa, and for all those who believed colonialism was a moral aberration.
Among the supporters of African independence were some of the leading figures of the American Civil Rights movement. Malcolm X was in Accra and Martin Luther King used Nkrumah's speech as the basis for his own "Free At Last" speech, so clear were the parallels between their own struggle for political equality in the US with that of the African nations. W. E. B. Du Bois moved to Ghana, inspired by the future of independent Africa. Yet among the many official messages of support received by the conference the United States was conspicuously quiet, despite its historic and public opposition to colonialism. Vice President Nixon did attend the celebrations in Ghana and asked a group of black people, "How does it feel to be free?"They answered: "We wouldn't know. We're from Alabama".
The conference was also attended by a slew of strange societies, many of which were fronts, and behind them was the CIA. The CIA was in favor of the end of the British Empire but a pan-African independence movement, one susceptible to Soviet entreaties, looked like a security threat. Through original research and unparalleled insight, Susan Williams reveals how the CIA's baleful influence was felt from South Africa to the Congo as the agency prepared to move in as Africa's colonizers moved out.
651 pages, Hardcover
First published August 10, 2021
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Susan Williams
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 25, 2022
Assassinations, overthrowing elected governments, sowing conflict between political groups and bribing politicians, trade unionists and national representatives at the UN were some of the clandestine and coercive strategies used by the CIA to support American plans for the African continent.
Every time I think I've touched the absolute bottom of human depravity and banal (incompetent, yet infinitely harmful) evil in studying the skid marks the CIA has left on the world, another shocking expose comes out, another deluge of sickening revelations.
Proceed only if you have a fairly strong stomach. Be forewarned that no stomach is strong enough to digest this putrid hunk of depraved vileness. Shower after reading this.
Quoth a dyed-in-the-wool scumbag: "I was the CIA director. We lied, we cheated, we stole. We had entire training courses. It reminds you of the glory of the American experiment."
Every time I think I've touched the absolute bottom of human depravity and banal (incompetent, yet infinitely harmful) evil in studying the skid marks the CIA has left on the world, another shocking expose comes out, another deluge of sickening revelations.
Proceed only if you have a fairly strong stomach. Be forewarned that no stomach is strong enough to digest this putrid hunk of depraved vileness. Shower after reading this.
Quoth a dyed-in-the-wool scumbag: "I was the CIA director. We lied, we cheated, we stole. We had entire training courses. It reminds you of the glory of the American experiment."
September 27, 2021
However fucked up you think the CIA is, they’re actually exponentially worse.
March 20, 2022
This is a treasure trove of CIA secrets and U.S. actions in Africa, focusing specifically on Ghana's independence in 1957 to Lumumba's assassination in 1961 and Nkrumah's overthrow in 1966. Equal parts inspiring and infuriating, I was blown away with just how much has come out about what the CIA was doing in the Congo, Ghana, and elsewhere. And yet, so many details are still completely missing or redacted, so this represents the minimum level of CIA involvement, everything from surveillance and spying to arming and assassinating.
I was very interested in the All African People's Conference and seeing the diversity of opinion presented by people like Fanon and Nkrumah, and to see Nkrumah's evolution to supporting Fanonian violence (and then Nyerere, too!). There are lessons to be learned here as well as movements and leaders to learn from.
Long live Lumumba! Long live Nkrumah!
I was very interested in the All African People's Conference and seeing the diversity of opinion presented by people like Fanon and Nkrumah, and to see Nkrumah's evolution to supporting Fanonian violence (and then Nyerere, too!). There are lessons to be learned here as well as movements and leaders to learn from.
Long live Lumumba! Long live Nkrumah!
May 26, 2022
A fantastic examination of the subversion and devastation wrought by the US in Ghana and Congo during the 1960s. Williams has poured over a massive amount of primary sources to pull together an incredibly engaging history. Weaving together the assassination of Patrice Lumumba by Mobutu, Belgium and the CIA through the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah with stops on the likely assassination of Dag Hammerskjold and the possibility that Paul Robeson was a victim of MKUltra. As with all good books on the history of the atrocities committed by the United States in its global war on the working class, often an infuriating read. An excellent book.
November 22, 2023
Susan Williams' White Malice details how the United States sought to undermine newly independent Africa in the '50s and '60s, focusing specifically on Ghana and Congo. Under the charismatic leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana was one of the first sub-Saharan African countries to gain independence, becoming a model for the decolonization of Africa and Nkrumah, an idol to African nationalists and Black Power activists across the world. Among his most eager proteges was Patrice Lumumba, the equally-striking leader of Congolese independence movement which forced Belgium to grant his country independence in 1958. Both men sought self-determination for their countries, attempting to form a "Third Way" bloc neutral in the Cold War. In this, both men were extraordinarily naive; the United States, using CIA subversions, diplomatic pressure, corporate investment and a variety of underhanded deals with African leaders, worked overtime to destroy the prestige of both men. Congo became synecdoche for the failures of African independence, immediately descending into civil war as rebels broke away from the new government; such failure, Williams demonstrates, was guaranteed not by African incompetence but the constant meddling of Western powers, who found Congo's uranium and mineral deposits impossible to part with. The story of the CIA's campaign in that country has been well-accounted for, but it's still infuriating to read about the degree and width of American campaign against Lumumba, culminating in his murder by Belgian-backed rebel troops. Nkrumah's government, similarly trying a "Third Way" between the capitalist West and the communist bloc, soon descended into dictatorship, leaving an opening for right wing elements backed by the US to oust him in 1966. Williams is illuminating in exploring these stories, with the Americans and their allies subverting nationalism through means obvious and subtle; a particularly compelling passage describes a good-will musical tour by jazz great Louis Armstrong, which the CIA used as a "trojan horse" to increase their reach in Congo. Williams reiterates that the US wasn't above outright murder, with Eisenhower ordering Lumumba's assassination (though the Belgians beat them to it), and she re-airs circumstantial evidence that UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold was killed by the CIA or its allies while trying to negotiate a truce in the Congo. While some might reject her more speculative claims, Williams' book presents an undeniable truth. It's not, despite the ongoing slurs and stereotypes, that Africa wasn't "ready" for self-government after European departure; it's that the West never gave him a chance.
December 2, 2021
Since I just read "Central America's Forgotten History" I found myself comparing the books while reading this one. Both focused on the impact of the United States and the CIA during the Cold War on different regions.
While CAFH focused more on the large-scale, sections focused on major impacts on different countries, "White Malice" went into great detail about the personal side of history...too detailed for me. We follow figures such as Lumumba and Nkrumha as well as individual CIA agents working in the Congo and Ghana. It often went into too much detail about players who would only show up for a few pages, at one point describing how an asset liked cars and bought three while in the Congo - not pertinent information to the narrative. By the end I was so inundated with names and anagrams I struggled to remember who was who.
The book also jumps time quite often and would benefit from date ranges at the heading. Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash at at least three different points in the book.
Overall it was a well researched and comprehensive look at the CIA activities that toppled the governments of the Congo and Ghana, but it could have used a second go- through in editing to organize and make it read more clearly.
While CAFH focused more on the large-scale, sections focused on major impacts on different countries, "White Malice" went into great detail about the personal side of history...too detailed for me. We follow figures such as Lumumba and Nkrumha as well as individual CIA agents working in the Congo and Ghana. It often went into too much detail about players who would only show up for a few pages, at one point describing how an asset liked cars and bought three while in the Congo - not pertinent information to the narrative. By the end I was so inundated with names and anagrams I struggled to remember who was who.
The book also jumps time quite often and would benefit from date ranges at the heading. Hammarskjöld died in a plane crash at at least three different points in the book.
Overall it was a well researched and comprehensive look at the CIA activities that toppled the governments of the Congo and Ghana, but it could have used a second go- through in editing to organize and make it read more clearly.
March 23, 2024
This book is very well documented, despite the obstacle of the CIA’s secrecy. I learned so much about the overthrow of Lumumba and Nkrumah. The pacing was quick, with cliffhangers at the end of chapters. I wish Williams had spent less of the book focusing on the individuals in government and the CIA, and included a section about how the CIA’s interference had severe repercussions for the African people.
May 23, 2023
Finally finished this mammoth. Absolutely phenomenal read about the CIAs involvement in the independence movement in Africa in the late 50s/early 60s. Really well researched and written, never got boring to me, super super informative. Loved it
March 13, 2022
A fascinating, and highly irritating with its content, book on the CIA's meddling in early 1960s Africa, focused on the first year of Congo's independence, and also including Ghana, whose president, Kwame Nkrumah, was a strong supporter of Congo's independence, and, of more challenge to the CIA, a leader of Pan-Africanism and of the non-aligned movement.
(Note: Semi-spoilers ahead but, because I'm not giving too many details, I'm not hiding them.)
Williams, who wrote a major book several years ago "reopening" the case that UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld was murdered (more on that in a minute) focuses on the CIA's animus against Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of Congo. She presents clear details of how the Agency wanted him "gone" and how that came ultimately from Eisenhower himself. Even before Joseph-Desire Mobutu, the eventual Congolese dictator for more than 30 years from the mid-1960s, had Lumumba murdered, the US was looking at various possible assassination modes on its own. And, she indicates that CIA freelance agents likely were involved with luring Lumumba out of his Leopoldville statehouse in an attempt to escape, helped Mobutu track him down, and after he was captured, knew that Mobutu was going to transfer him to Katanga for his presumed eventual death.
On Hammarskjöld, Williams has good evidence that the so-called Katangan Air Force, almost certainly pilot Jan van Rissenghem, shot Hammarskjöld's UN plane down in Katanga six months after Lumumba's murder. But, that's not all. The "scramblers" for encrypting UN transmissions, not only from his plane, but from UN cables and wireless transmissions to and from UN headquarters, all had a "backdoor" on them, deliberately created for the CIA in conjunction with West German intelligence, already in the early 1950s. The Swiss company who made them was handsomely rewarded. Side note: Already at this time, Israel, while still waiting for more West German Holocaust blood money, was partnering with West German intelligence as well, including on this. So, too was "neutral" Sweden, Hammarskjöld's home.
Williams from there looks at CIA's increasingly harsh eye on Nkrumah, including backing the 1966 coup against him.
We also get a look at CIA front organizations like the Congress for Cultural Freedom.
Sidebars: The loathsomeness of American involvement against Lumumba, or at a minimum, ill will toward him, or Nkrumah, or an independent Congo, at the top levels includes not just Eisenhower, but in his administration, Dick Nixon, Douglas Dillon and others, and then, John Kennedy and his UN ambassador Adlai Stevenson among vaunted liberals. And, outside of electoral politics, names not generally seen in the past as CIA "cutouts" or whatever, like Jackie Kennedy Onassis' last squire, Maurice Tempelsman, make appearances.
(Note: Semi-spoilers ahead but, because I'm not giving too many details, I'm not hiding them.)
Williams, who wrote a major book several years ago "reopening" the case that UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld was murdered (more on that in a minute) focuses on the CIA's animus against Patrice Lumumba, the first prime minister of Congo. She presents clear details of how the Agency wanted him "gone" and how that came ultimately from Eisenhower himself. Even before Joseph-Desire Mobutu, the eventual Congolese dictator for more than 30 years from the mid-1960s, had Lumumba murdered, the US was looking at various possible assassination modes on its own. And, she indicates that CIA freelance agents likely were involved with luring Lumumba out of his Leopoldville statehouse in an attempt to escape, helped Mobutu track him down, and after he was captured, knew that Mobutu was going to transfer him to Katanga for his presumed eventual death.
On Hammarskjöld, Williams has good evidence that the so-called Katangan Air Force, almost certainly pilot Jan van Rissenghem, shot Hammarskjöld's UN plane down in Katanga six months after Lumumba's murder. But, that's not all. The "scramblers" for encrypting UN transmissions, not only from his plane, but from UN cables and wireless transmissions to and from UN headquarters, all had a "backdoor" on them, deliberately created for the CIA in conjunction with West German intelligence, already in the early 1950s. The Swiss company who made them was handsomely rewarded. Side note: Already at this time, Israel, while still waiting for more West German Holocaust blood money, was partnering with West German intelligence as well, including on this. So, too was "neutral" Sweden, Hammarskjöld's home.
Williams from there looks at CIA's increasingly harsh eye on Nkrumah, including backing the 1966 coup against him.
We also get a look at CIA front organizations like the Congress for Cultural Freedom.
Sidebars: The loathsomeness of American involvement against Lumumba, or at a minimum, ill will toward him, or Nkrumah, or an independent Congo, at the top levels includes not just Eisenhower, but in his administration, Dick Nixon, Douglas Dillon and others, and then, John Kennedy and his UN ambassador Adlai Stevenson among vaunted liberals. And, outside of electoral politics, names not generally seen in the past as CIA "cutouts" or whatever, like Jackie Kennedy Onassis' last squire, Maurice Tempelsman, make appearances.
March 20, 2022
Excellent. If you are curious what the US government is capable of, this is quite a primer.
February 10, 2022
This is a really good book for understanding the Cold War in general and in Africa in particular. Most of the book centers on events in the early 1960s surrounding the newly formed states of Ghana under Kwame Nkrumah and Congo under Patrice Lumumba. It cites the efforts of these two men to create a non-aligned union of African nations. This was not something the United States was willing to accept since the Congo was a source of rich uranium ore. The well documented book describes the efforts taken to isolate, then destroy these two governments and their leaders. Along with the two African leaders and a host of CIA officials and their protégés we also find out about jazz legend Louis Armstrong's visit to the Congo and meet a very young Maya Angelou.
I have studied the damage of the United States policy in South and Central America relative to the cold war for a many years. I have not read as much about Africa. I have to say that the detail provided in this book clearly describes the lengths to which the CIA was willing to go to win the cold war at all costs in Africa and the price paid by those who stood in the way. My general assumption is that things I have read about Central and South America, as bad as they might have appeared to me, were probably worse.
I highly recommend this book if you want an unvarnished look at the savagery of the Cold War. It is a political book, not a soldier's memoir.
I have studied the damage of the United States policy in South and Central America relative to the cold war for a many years. I have not read as much about Africa. I have to say that the detail provided in this book clearly describes the lengths to which the CIA was willing to go to win the cold war at all costs in Africa and the price paid by those who stood in the way. My general assumption is that things I have read about Central and South America, as bad as they might have appeared to me, were probably worse.
I highly recommend this book if you want an unvarnished look at the savagery of the Cold War. It is a political book, not a soldier's memoir.
December 16, 2021
Very through and full of Minutiae. Feels like reading an adventure crime novel in some parts, full of numerous real life characters . I’ve read numerous other books dealing with CIA, which mention Lumumba & the Congo in a chapter or two. This book fills in the gaps and connects the dots to other areas of African resistance.
October 31, 2021
Lengthy and detailed. Amazing in the amount of research. No new revelations if you are already in the know. But while I consider myself informed the depth of deception and control, what some call evil, among cold warriors to this day treated as heroes, was astounding to see. The title and final chapter wrap the story up for the information found. Neocolonialism is alive and well today.
January 24, 2022
A very dense, difficult book, but a rewarding one.
"Are we the baddies?"
"Are we the baddies?"
February 18, 2024
There is a lot of data here which solidly indicts the USA for manipulating African countries in self-serving ways that demonstrate profound disrespect for the people of Africa, including the CIA’s involvement in a conspiracy to murder the first Prime Minister of the Congo. The presumption of superiority by Western nations and their treating African nations as pawns in the Cold War is hardly news. However, the title of the book is deceptive. Almost everything in the book concerns Ghana and the Congo and takes place between 1957 and 1961. It does not deal with the larger economic colonialism which impacts all of Africa to this day. I was disappointed in the limited scope of the book despite that fact that it chronicles a few events well.
Read
December 24, 2022Fascinating yet disturbing book about CIA influence in Africa. This book was incredibly detailed which made it hard to get into at times, but the subject matter is very relevant. Western powers may have officially ended in colonialism in Africa but they continued long after to press their interests in some truly reprehensible ways. And even though this book focuses on the 50s-60s, I’m sure that influence continues to this day. What might we know 50 years from now?
This book focuses heavily on the Congo and Ghana, and I would’ve liked to learn more about other countries as well.
This book focuses heavily on the Congo and Ghana, and I would’ve liked to learn more about other countries as well.
April 25, 2024
This book was so much more than expected. I worried it would be academic and boring, but it is written in a way that is extremely informative while also engaging — an absolute page-turner. They definitely don’t teach you this in school. I felt many emotions reading this: anger, frustration, anxiety, heartbreak, and helplessness to name a few. I really applaud the author for the work that went into this book because the information provided is exhaustive. The crimes committed by the CIA supposedly in the name of democracy cannot be justified, especially in hindsight as we consider the current state of African politics and economics. The people of Africa deserve better.
November 6, 2023
If i didnt know anything about the subject, this would have been absolutely mindblowing. as it is, its a very good introduction to the subject while still diving deep into a huge range of historical practices and instances while being an engaging read. i love that she kept self promoing her book on the death of Dag Hammarskjöld for like half the book
May 3, 2022
Astonishing.
April 29, 2023
Outstanding and astounding
A remarkable book that brought me to a subject I previously knew nothing about - the struggle for decolonisation in Africa and all the outside interference that followed. Many shocking stories. Well researched and very readable.
A remarkable book that brought me to a subject I previously knew nothing about - the struggle for decolonisation in Africa and all the outside interference that followed. Many shocking stories. Well researched and very readable.
February 20, 2024
niet anders verwacht dan dat dit infuriating zou zijn! 4 sterren vanwege enige ‘speculatie’ ipv ‘feiten’ (feiten die overigens worden achtergehouden door onderwerp in kwestie) bij nader inzien! 5 sterren, vanwege het belang van dit onderwerp. ben inmiddels zo up to date met het gesjoemel van de cia, dat ik er gek van word. also soviet lowkey ally voor anti colonisation 😂 shoutout
January 20, 2022
What can I say? A truly marvelous book that delivers on the title. Everyone knows about the CIA especially vis a vis subversive activities in non-Western nations, but what Williams does here is great scholarship that uncovers the depth of American intrigue and machinations that led to the grisly assassination of the first democratically elected prime minister of Congo DR, Patrice Lumumba as well as the overthrow of Ghanaian 1st president, Kwame Nkrumah.
Despite the book centering on the activities of the CIA, Williams provides by far the most complete political biography of Lumumba. The depth of research into Lumumba's career all the way from his "awakening" at the All African People's Conference hosted by Nkrumah in Accra 1958, all the way to his illegal capture and murder in 1961. I actually cried reading about the very brutal and barbaric way his body was treated after facing the CIA/Belgian firing squad. Yet they say, it's we Africans who are "uncivilized".
As for CIA forays in Ghana, I found the book quite disappointing. Nothing new outside of what most Ghanaians already know. It's ever been touted that the masterminds of Nkrumah's overthrow, namely Brig Akwasi Afrifa, Col Kotoka and police commissioner Harlley were in the pay of the CIA. Unfortunately, Williams provided nothing at all to either buttress or even refute those rumors. It's at that portion of the book I found the research asymmetrical. As while, several CIA agents who operated in the Congo were listed by name, as well as the various Congolese political lackeys who they handled such as Cyrille Adoula, Joseph Kasa Vubu, Victor Nendaka, Jean Bolikango and of course- Joseph Mobuto, were expounded upon. For Ghana, not a single covert CIA agent was named. I don't recall Williams even providing the name of the Accra CIA station chief.
Another thing is that I felt like Williams filled up the book with some unnecessary bits of information. Some CIA agents were named, described in great detail and then never heard from again. Also of course, due to the secrecy of the CIA, I'm not sure if some of the individuals who were later found to have worked with the CIA knew that the time they were talking with the CIA. So was it right to highlight their interactions with the CIA, if it was really unwitting. Soo many organizations were named as being funded by the CIA operating in Africa, I was actually very surprised that this was another route of CIA intrusion into African affairs. But again, a lot of the beneficiaries of these organizations knew little of the covert CIA connection.
I stumbled upon this book by accident but no complaints here. I hope this is the first of many more books uncovering the "dead hand" played by the CIA in actively undermining democratic governments in Africa at the height of the Cold War. There's no doubt, Williams was limited in research by the classified nature of most of the documents pertaining to the time period in question. In fact, the author had to lend her conjectures along the way as the few documents that were made available were heavily retracted in effect rendering them unreadable. Very enjoyable and enlightening read nonetheless!
Despite the book centering on the activities of the CIA, Williams provides by far the most complete political biography of Lumumba. The depth of research into Lumumba's career all the way from his "awakening" at the All African People's Conference hosted by Nkrumah in Accra 1958, all the way to his illegal capture and murder in 1961. I actually cried reading about the very brutal and barbaric way his body was treated after facing the CIA/Belgian firing squad. Yet they say, it's we Africans who are "uncivilized".
As for CIA forays in Ghana, I found the book quite disappointing. Nothing new outside of what most Ghanaians already know. It's ever been touted that the masterminds of Nkrumah's overthrow, namely Brig Akwasi Afrifa, Col Kotoka and police commissioner Harlley were in the pay of the CIA. Unfortunately, Williams provided nothing at all to either buttress or even refute those rumors. It's at that portion of the book I found the research asymmetrical. As while, several CIA agents who operated in the Congo were listed by name, as well as the various Congolese political lackeys who they handled such as Cyrille Adoula, Joseph Kasa Vubu, Victor Nendaka, Jean Bolikango and of course- Joseph Mobuto, were expounded upon. For Ghana, not a single covert CIA agent was named. I don't recall Williams even providing the name of the Accra CIA station chief.
Another thing is that I felt like Williams filled up the book with some unnecessary bits of information. Some CIA agents were named, described in great detail and then never heard from again. Also of course, due to the secrecy of the CIA, I'm not sure if some of the individuals who were later found to have worked with the CIA knew that the time they were talking with the CIA. So was it right to highlight their interactions with the CIA, if it was really unwitting. Soo many organizations were named as being funded by the CIA operating in Africa, I was actually very surprised that this was another route of CIA intrusion into African affairs. But again, a lot of the beneficiaries of these organizations knew little of the covert CIA connection.
I stumbled upon this book by accident but no complaints here. I hope this is the first of many more books uncovering the "dead hand" played by the CIA in actively undermining democratic governments in Africa at the height of the Cold War. There's no doubt, Williams was limited in research by the classified nature of most of the documents pertaining to the time period in question. In fact, the author had to lend her conjectures along the way as the few documents that were made available were heavily retracted in effect rendering them unreadable. Very enjoyable and enlightening read nonetheless!
July 26, 2021
When all of the French and British African colonies gained independence in the 1960s, Ghana was the first and most looking to make the continent free from Europe. The Congo (Leopoldville) didn't get off to the best start (Nkrumah wanted to help get rid of the Belgians) ending up with four different governments (in four places) and UN mission troops to try and help sort things out. These are the two countries that Williams focuses on.
Ghana, unlike many new African nations, had a competent government and was able to convert over to independence without a civil war breaking out. The British had worked hard to help train the bureaucracy, but not so well the military. Almost all of the Officers of the Army were ex-Brits and did not always agree with how Nkrumah wanted to rule. Ghana was one of the countries who contributed troops to the Congolese mission.
The Congo on the other hand was trying to get started with very little help from Belgium, which withdrew all of the colonial administration after independence. But unlike the Brits, few locals had been trained at management (and above levels). So there were real questions as to who was going to run the country, Kasavubu was the choice of the Belgians and Lumumba the choice of the voters.
At the same time the CIA was worried about the Soviets getting their hands on the premium uranium mine in Katanga province, which has announced it was breaking away as well as South Kasai (where the civil war is still raging). But the CIA wanted to get rid of Nkrumah who had the idea to united Africa as a "United States of Africa" with everyone working together to improve their countries without ending up in the West or Red Camps.
So the CIA had a two pronged strategy, get rid of Nkrumah and place some one more amenable and compliant in his place who wouldn't insist on "helping" the other new nations create real government and cooperation across Africa. In the Congo they wanted to put Kasavubu in power so as to have a better chance of controlling the resources of Katanga province (uranium and diamonds).
In the end they were able to create enough trouble for Nkrumah so that he had to give up power. They also were involved in the assassination of Lumumba, which let to the government of Mobuto and decades of misrule and dictatorship which has left the country in permanent civil war.
Ghana, unlike many new African nations, had a competent government and was able to convert over to independence without a civil war breaking out. The British had worked hard to help train the bureaucracy, but not so well the military. Almost all of the Officers of the Army were ex-Brits and did not always agree with how Nkrumah wanted to rule. Ghana was one of the countries who contributed troops to the Congolese mission.
The Congo on the other hand was trying to get started with very little help from Belgium, which withdrew all of the colonial administration after independence. But unlike the Brits, few locals had been trained at management (and above levels). So there were real questions as to who was going to run the country, Kasavubu was the choice of the Belgians and Lumumba the choice of the voters.
At the same time the CIA was worried about the Soviets getting their hands on the premium uranium mine in Katanga province, which has announced it was breaking away as well as South Kasai (where the civil war is still raging). But the CIA wanted to get rid of Nkrumah who had the idea to united Africa as a "United States of Africa" with everyone working together to improve their countries without ending up in the West or Red Camps.
So the CIA had a two pronged strategy, get rid of Nkrumah and place some one more amenable and compliant in his place who wouldn't insist on "helping" the other new nations create real government and cooperation across Africa. In the Congo they wanted to put Kasavubu in power so as to have a better chance of controlling the resources of Katanga province (uranium and diamonds).
In the end they were able to create enough trouble for Nkrumah so that he had to give up power. They also were involved in the assassination of Lumumba, which let to the government of Mobuto and decades of misrule and dictatorship which has left the country in permanent civil war.
November 6, 2021
A rather disappointing book. Somewhat lacking in nuance or full context. Almost all the persons described therein are either saints or sinners. Undoubtedly the agents of the CIA did many despicable things in Africa in general and specifically in the Congo and Ghana. According to Ms. Williams the CIA, aided by a few cooperative locals enticed by the promises of power and riches, completely reshaped the political landscape of these countries after independence up to the present day. Again that concept is not entirely unjustified, however, the inhabitants of the countries themselves and their leaders must bear some responsibility as well as many external factors.
Ms. Williams also judges the actions of the CIA, the US government, the UK and the UN by today’s standards. Admittedly assassination plots, manipulation of people and resources and interference in local politics are timeless crimes that were as reprehensible then as they are now. Understanding that other activities that might be considered propaganda or in today’s parlance “the winning of hearts and minds” should be considered in the context of the Cold War, Soviet aggression and post colonial ambivalence is only touched upon with any candor in the final few pages. It is hard to see how some of these activities would be deemed detrimental had they not been associated with the CIA through their clandestine funding.
Finally, while it is understood that the subject matter cannot be addressed in a strictly chronological manner, the frequent back and forth in time was occasionally disruptive. Dag Hammarskjold was killed and came back more often than Michael Myers. His death, the initial 1959 meeting of the African States in the newly independent Ghana and the murder of Patrice Lumumba were the recurrent milestone events that were used to anchor the rest of the narrative without complete success.
As a post script I also think it is maybe a little odd to have a review of the book written by professor Nzongila-Ntalaja whose work and observations are most extensively quoted therein.
I gave it two stars because I read the book cover to cover and despite the above criticisms I learned a good deal more than I knew about the subject.
Ms. Williams also judges the actions of the CIA, the US government, the UK and the UN by today’s standards. Admittedly assassination plots, manipulation of people and resources and interference in local politics are timeless crimes that were as reprehensible then as they are now. Understanding that other activities that might be considered propaganda or in today’s parlance “the winning of hearts and minds” should be considered in the context of the Cold War, Soviet aggression and post colonial ambivalence is only touched upon with any candor in the final few pages. It is hard to see how some of these activities would be deemed detrimental had they not been associated with the CIA through their clandestine funding.
Finally, while it is understood that the subject matter cannot be addressed in a strictly chronological manner, the frequent back and forth in time was occasionally disruptive. Dag Hammarskjold was killed and came back more often than Michael Myers. His death, the initial 1959 meeting of the African States in the newly independent Ghana and the murder of Patrice Lumumba were the recurrent milestone events that were used to anchor the rest of the narrative without complete success.
As a post script I also think it is maybe a little odd to have a review of the book written by professor Nzongila-Ntalaja whose work and observations are most extensively quoted therein.
I gave it two stars because I read the book cover to cover and despite the above criticisms I learned a good deal more than I knew about the subject.
September 20, 2022
Well research book that provides excellent insight into the short period following decolonization in which the CIA intervened in what could have been a prospering democratic Congo. Eye opening as much of the US is indoctrinated to believe that we are a stalwart for Democracy, when in fact, the US will always only stand for US interests, regardless of what form that takes. In this case, it took the form of replacing a left-leaning Democratically elected official with a ruthless military dictator.
Perhaps my only critique, and hence my 4 star review, is that the book really only looks at the Congo. It briefly alludes to an intervention with Ghana to overthrow Nkrumeh, but goes into much less detail in a much less convincing way. And the title of the book, which implies it will be more of an overview of the CIA's involvement in Africa writ-large is a bit of a misnomer. This book really is about the Congo, with the premise that what happened in the Congo is likely not a one-off but *probably* indicative of covert actions the CIA took throughout Africa. While I by no means doubt this premise, especially after reading this book, this book will not provide proof or detail to support the claim.
Perhaps my only critique, and hence my 4 star review, is that the book really only looks at the Congo. It briefly alludes to an intervention with Ghana to overthrow Nkrumeh, but goes into much less detail in a much less convincing way. And the title of the book, which implies it will be more of an overview of the CIA's involvement in Africa writ-large is a bit of a misnomer. This book really is about the Congo, with the premise that what happened in the Congo is likely not a one-off but *probably* indicative of covert actions the CIA took throughout Africa. While I by no means doubt this premise, especially after reading this book, this book will not provide proof or detail to support the claim.
October 24, 2021
Williams' book focuses in particular on the last few years of the 1950s and first half of the 1960s, examining the attempts of the CIA to manipulate the politics and frustrate the liberation movements in Ghana and Congo. Williams' narrative--some of it new primarily in the level of detail and layers of evidence she brings to the discussion--is an indictment of U.S. policy, but also captures the spirit of decolonization and the liberation movements associated with it.
The book lacks a conventional introduction, and includes layers of detail that make for interesting reading but that take the reader down ultimately distracting paths. The level of detail about evidence from the intelligence world included in the text is overdone--some extended footnotes, or a section on methods and sources would have contained much of this content and made for a smoother read.
I would love to assign this book for a class, but the lack of an introduction and more analytic apparatus in the book's organisation, plus the extraordinarily rich but also distracting level of detail, discourage me. It is, however, very much worth reading.
The book lacks a conventional introduction, and includes layers of detail that make for interesting reading but that take the reader down ultimately distracting paths. The level of detail about evidence from the intelligence world included in the text is overdone--some extended footnotes, or a section on methods and sources would have contained much of this content and made for a smoother read.
I would love to assign this book for a class, but the lack of an introduction and more analytic apparatus in the book's organisation, plus the extraordinarily rich but also distracting level of detail, discourage me. It is, however, very much worth reading.
August 22, 2023
An incredible book that I enjoyed thoroughly. I've read about the malfeasance of the CIA before in some depths, so that aspect didn't particularly surprise me, but I really like to learn about history, and it is difficult to do so because of how many major sources ignore the major role played by intelligence organizations. This felt like like a great introduction to the history of African liberation and made me want to do deeper dives, especially on Nkrumah, whom embarrassingly I had not previously heard of. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who does not have much of a background in African history. People with deep knowledge might find it tedious I think, but it is incredibly evidence based and helpful in connecting all of the dots for separate struggles that happened at the time. I really loved the book and think most would enjoy it.
January 9, 2023
Although a bit boring, this expose reminds us of the dark infiltration tactics employed by the CIA during days of African independence.
I thought, maybe, because of the recent publication that Williams would provide new, contemporary cases of CIA maneuvers on the continent. But, it turns out Williams focuses on mid-1900s post colonial era. I did learn new things, but for those who aren't as keen on African history as I am; this may bore you to pieces. Still, this book offers great info and a ready warning of US global motives.
I thought, maybe, because of the recent publication that Williams would provide new, contemporary cases of CIA maneuvers on the continent. But, it turns out Williams focuses on mid-1900s post colonial era. I did learn new things, but for those who aren't as keen on African history as I am; this may bore you to pieces. Still, this book offers great info and a ready warning of US global motives.
December 23, 2021
Enjoyable and glad I picked this up. It felt a bit like an academic research paper at times and could have used a bit more of a narrative thread. Would make for a great New Yorker or Atlantic piece.
September 10, 2022
Honestly I stumbled into the book. I was in search of a book that talked about post colonial independence of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and more specifically the hand that external groups and governments that had a hand in (my opinion) derailing the country... that was my hope. I anticipated for a book so dense to talk about more than the few countries it did, but I wasn't too disappointed with what I did read/listen to.
As a person who in later times suffered (as like many) for the failures of that time I genuinely came away more educated on the DRC and the parties that were involved. I kind of wished that it went a little bit more into the Mobutu reign but you can't have it all. I appreciated that the author chose to dive into the more personal stories of the leaders that were focused on because while time has changed and easy to rewrite history I think to disprove the perception brought through fear and propaganda is key in understand what those external powers really did.
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Though at first I didn't like the sort of scattergun approach.. I grew to appreciate it as it almost felt like the author was making sure I was paying attention. As a child of parents born in the middle of all that was going on I found myself tracing the many dates to where my family was, or what my parents must of been doing at whatever age they were, etc. which I enjoyed. I enjoy history and enjoyed learning more about the details of what was happening.. maybe my personal infatuation with understanding more about my home country led it but I was ready to learn more. The appreciation I have for Nkrumah and those who did what they could for the democratically elected leaders of the DRC has grown. There are always times you learn about people in high or low spaces that play a great part.. passionately defending the truth no matter what the consequence to be is admirable.
American history for as many great moments that it has created it equally and maybe has more moments where its been letdown by hunger for whatever is at its own self interest. With no proof to many scenarios but a type of gut instinct to achieve what is best for itself has left a dangerous trail for who's left after all is set and done.
It just stinks that only America gets to fight oppression, gain independence, think independently, all while governing themselves without worry of others trying to bring the pillars of democracy, justice and liberty... unless those attacks come from within.
As a person who in later times suffered (as like many) for the failures of that time I genuinely came away more educated on the DRC and the parties that were involved. I kind of wished that it went a little bit more into the Mobutu reign but you can't have it all. I appreciated that the author chose to dive into the more personal stories of the leaders that were focused on because while time has changed and easy to rewrite history I think to disprove the perception brought through fear and propaganda is key in understand what those external powers really did.
------------------------------------------------
Though at first I didn't like the sort of scattergun approach.. I grew to appreciate it as it almost felt like the author was making sure I was paying attention. As a child of parents born in the middle of all that was going on I found myself tracing the many dates to where my family was, or what my parents must of been doing at whatever age they were, etc. which I enjoyed. I enjoy history and enjoyed learning more about the details of what was happening.. maybe my personal infatuation with understanding more about my home country led it but I was ready to learn more. The appreciation I have for Nkrumah and those who did what they could for the democratically elected leaders of the DRC has grown. There are always times you learn about people in high or low spaces that play a great part.. passionately defending the truth no matter what the consequence to be is admirable.
American history for as many great moments that it has created it equally and maybe has more moments where its been letdown by hunger for whatever is at its own self interest. With no proof to many scenarios but a type of gut instinct to achieve what is best for itself has left a dangerous trail for who's left after all is set and done.
It just stinks that only America gets to fight oppression, gain independence, think independently, all while governing themselves without worry of others trying to bring the pillars of democracy, justice and liberty... unless those attacks come from within.
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