Tshombe’s secessionist state of Katanga: agency against the odds

Abstract

This article discusses the international dimension of the secessionist State of Katanga (1960–1963). It argues in favour of a reassessment of the agency of Katangese political elites. In this regard, it opposes arguments that privilege conceptions of the Katangese state as being constrained by outside forces. Contrary to the latter viewpoint, it is argued, the regime of Moïse Tshombe survived for a relatively long period of time, not least because it succeeded in establishing an international network that mobilised mercenaries to work for the state, and reached out to extensive lobby structures in France, Belgium and the United States. On a theoretical level, the article adds to the growing body of literature that emphasises African agency in international relations, and literature reconsidering the Katangese secession. Finally, it makes an empirical contribution by making use of the hitherto neglected Moïse Tshombe archival collection.