Norman Kelley

The Katanga: American Mercenaries in the African Congo Norman Kelley

The Katanga is rooted in Africa during the 1960s independence period and the ultimate failure of an attempt for an alternative to colonialism or despotism. It's failure is a sad commentary on international political leadership. Many historians look back on this unique approach as a last ditch attempt to prove that a white/black democracy might be successful. In The Katanga, two young and naïve but very skilled American mercenaries enter the arena and quickly grow into seriously respected strategists as the political and military roles begin to merge. They become equipped with advanced long range rifles and distance measuring devices and make a huge contribution in quieting down native tribes taking advantage of the political vacuum as well as stifling some cold war meddlers. During integration into The Katanga society, they find their future wives and hope that they too could be a part of The Katanga's future. But it was all for nil, as world opinion and racial politics defeated the effort in favor of defending national boundaries that date back to the 1880s as a part of colonial rule. For our Americans, the exit is both dangerous and very fragile, but ultimately successful. The Katanga generally follows events of the era including the death of the U. N. Secretary General in a plane crash, an event still being investigated. Some need to be reminded that The Katanga is a novel!