In the aftermath of Vietnam, Henry Kissinger sought to salvage his reputation in Angola, a newly independent country embroiled in civil war.
Ignoring State Department experts and embracing apartheid South Africa and Mobutu Sese Seko, Kissinger backed rebels against the popular leftist movement.
Kissinger underestimated the strength of the left and failed to anticipate Cuban intervention, leading to a costly US defeat.
Angola: A Legacy of War and Misjudgment
The Angolan war raged for years, killing hundreds of thousands and ultimately leaving the leftist rebels victorious.
Kissinger’s attempt to bring peace to Rhodesia failed due to his lack of understanding of the Black liberation movement.
Kissinger’s interventions in Africa were disastrous, leaving a legacy of war and instability.
Kissinger’s views on Africa were dominated by Cold War anxieties and a dismissive attitude towards Black liberation movements.
Kissinger fostered close ties with racist white regimes in Africa, further undermining his efforts.
The 1969 Paper: “The Whites Are Here to Stay”
A 1969 paper prepared for Kissinger advocated for supporting white rule in Africa, demonstrating his flawed understanding of the continent.
Kissinger’s arrogance and Cold War calculations led to disastrous interventions in Africa, leaving a legacy of chaos and instability.