The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination By Stuart A. Reid (2023)

"The Congo Cables" offers a spellbinding exploration of the U.S.-sanctioned plot to assassinate Congo's leader Patrice Lumumba, blending Cold War intrigue with the struggles of the newly independent nation.

Lumumba's quest for help from the United Nations and subsequent approaches to the Soviets triggered CIA alarms, leading to a tumultuous chain of events. The plot to murder Lumumba would fail, but political chaos persisted, unraveling the hopes of Congolese independence.

The book vividly captures the intricacies of this pivotal moment, revealing the interconnected roles of Lumumba, Dag Hammarskjöld, and CIA's Larry Devlin. As Lumumba's government faced mutiny and Belgian intervention, the CIA's mandate to curb Communist influence in Africa intensified. The narrative exposes the complex web of geopolitical motivations, as Lumumba sought assistance and the U.S. prioritized anti-Communist strategies.

The CIA's directive, conveyed by Devlin, set in motion a sequence leading to Lumumba's removal, exile, and eventual assassination, leaving a lasting impact on the Congo's trajectory. The book skillfully navigates this entangled history, portraying Lumumba's aspirations, Hammarskjöld's peacekeeping efforts, and Devlin's role in executing U.S. policy.

The mysterious plane crash that claimed Hammarskjöld's life adds another layer of intrigue, contributing to a narrative reminiscent of a Cold War thriller.

"The Congo Cables" not only unveils a dark chapter in the Congo's history but also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of Cold War interventions, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of African nations. 📚❤️