Whites in African governments after Independence

newstyle · (#1 (**permalink**))

Listened to this thought it would be of some interest, you have the option to listen to it online, what do people think?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/plaintal...lth/pip/qrj71/

In the 1950s and 60s, many British people got caught up in the liberation struggle that was taking place in the colonies, and became close to the charismatic leaders of the independence movements. After independence, some were rewarded with political positions in the new governments. Aidan talks to white men and women who held high office under black African presidents - and in some cases became disillusioned as the lofty ideals became tainted with corruption and violence.

COLTRANE · (#2 (**permalink**))

I listened to that a week ago

not suprised about kenyathough as thats British settlers heaven

did u listen to that old white woman in Mombasa who says she doesnt belong in Kenya and wants to be burried in Norwich once she dies?

Apparently Kenyans dont like to be told about White settlers in their country

talk about uncle tomish Africans..

newstyle · (#3 (**permalink**))

I missesd the first two episodes, in this weeks one they talked about Nyerere, Kaunda, Hastings Banda and Idi Amin. The thing I found interesting was the arrest of Kaunda's white secretary the day after he lost the election, to me signaling how quickly the Chiluba regime's misrule kicked in.

defyfear · (#4 (**permalink**))

Im listening and I hear the narrator said that Britian GAVE africans independence. Sounds similar to what was said about America. Nothing about Britian losing anything. But this just confirm some suspicion of African leaders received their schooling in missionary schools I read recently. These missionaries did more than just preach the Bible they helped run countries into a fiery graves in Africa.

Its also funny that the narrator said African countries had enough money in the bank but due to mismanagement it went to corruption. They were there with this alledged mismanagement. What were they doing wearing white gloves all the time? These missionaries just keep saying "they" did this or "they" did that not "we". I see who really had "independence". Where is CIA with Idi Amin? I guess thats an American problem and nobody including these Brits noticed.

Otherwise the "plain tales from the commonwealth" have been informative.

newstyle · (#5 (**permalink**))

defyfear wrote:

Quote:

Im listening and I hear the narrator said that Britian GAVE africans independence. Sounds similar to what was said about America. Nothing about Britian losing anything. But this just confirm some suspicion of African leaders received their schooling in missionary schools I read recently. These missionaries did more than just preach the Bible they helped run countries into a fiery graves in Africa.

Its also funny that the narrator said African countries had enough money in the bank but due to mismanagement it went to corruption. They were there with this alledged mismanagement. What were they doing wearing white gloves all the time? These missionaries just keep saying "they" did this or "they" did that not "we". I see who really had "independence". Where is CIA with Idi Amin? I guess thats an American problem and nobody including these Brits noticed.

Otherwise the "plain tales from the commonwealth" have been informative.

I know what you mean, this is another "heroric historic Britons" perspective, the criricism of Empire are slim, and the fight and struggle for independence is presented as a gift to Africans from enlightened Europeans. I call this Atticus Finch syndrome.