Katanga 1960-63: Mercenaries, Spies and the African Nation that Waged War on the World

by Christopher Othen

The first full account of an African secession that introduced the modern mercenary—and killed the head of the United Nations

In King Leopold II’s infamous Congo "Free" State at the turn of the century, severed hands became a form of currency. But the Belgians don’t seem to have a sense of historical shame, as they connived for an independent Katanga state in 1960 to protect Belgian mining interests. What happened next was extraordinary. Katanga 1960 tells, for the first time, the full story of the Congolese province that declared independence and found itself at war with the world. The Congo had no intention of allowing the renegade region to secede, and neither did the CIA, the KGB, or the United Nations. It was a fantastically uneven battle. The UN fielded soldiers from twenty nations, America paid the bills, and the Soviets intrigued behind the scenes. Yet to everyone’s surprise the new nation’s rag-tag army of local gendarmes, jungle tribesmen and, controversially, European mercenaries, refused to give in. For two and a half years Katanga, the scrawniest underdog ever to fight a war, held off the world with guerrilla warfare, two-faced diplomacy, and some shady financial backing. It even looked as if the Katangese might win.

Genres: History, Africa, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, War

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Christopher Othen is an English writer currently based in Eastern Europe. His day jobs have included journalist, legal representative for asylum seekers, and English language teacher.

In off-the-clock adventures he has interviewed retired mercenaries about war crimes, discussed lost causes with political extremists, and got drunk with an ex-mujahid who knew Osama Bin Laden.

Reviews

[Zare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on a very troubling period in Africa. Author's style is very interesting and keeps you glued to the pages until the very end.

Highly recommended.

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books discusses the attempted separation of Katanga from the rest of the Congo. A wide spectrum of various - often colourful - characters passes the revue such as mercenaries and politicians. The confusion is palpable after Congo becomes independent after decades of (mis)rule by the Belgians. And the accompanying violence and cruelty is incredible. National (e.g. Belgian, French, British, and American) and industrial (mining - Katanga is rich in certain natural resources including cobalt) interests influence subsequent events. Under Tshombe, Katanga separates and this leads to a number of armed clashes with the UN. Ultimately the secession fails (in January 1963). The role of the UN is controversial, particularly that of its representative Conor Cruise O'Brien as described in the book. Tshombe's story is quite incredible and he even becomes prime minister of Congo, but many other characters in the book have their own interesting stories. I liked how the book described the lives of these characters and overall gave a very interesting narrative of the events.

[Mhorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

A fascinating look at the Congo, post independence in 1960-63. A pity that few today find this era interesting because if this were a movie, few would believe it. History filled with amazing and fascinating people, black and white, men and women, this part of the Congos history is written in blood, greed, fear and death. Well worth reading.

[Nick Harriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well worth reading. It is not an easy read, as much of the content is harrowing, and no one comes out of it looking good. Covering an element of history that has fallen from public consciousness, it sheds light on what was going on. My only criticism is that it did not cover off enough on what was happening on the Congolese side of the conflict, post the death a Patrice Lumumba.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in a sort of annoying journalistic style and too focused on the characters backgrounds than the actual conflict, this is still a unique book about a little remembered international crisis that brought in the entire UN.

[Rowan Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting if slightly skewed history.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Human flesh tastes like sweet pork." (59)

[Daniel Polansky]

Congo's first post-colonial war as told in a narrative so compellingly snappy it makes me want to double check the sources. Which admittedly is a backhanded compliment and perhaps a bit unfair, particularly as I found this informative and engaging.

[Andrei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, fun

[gargamelscat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent breezy if somewhat superficial survey into the UN intervention. Identifies many aspects worthy of a deeper dive from other sources.