Travels in Africa

Following a precipitate evacuation from the USIS post in the northwest Congo, ordered by his superior, Fred Hunter was allowed to return, only to evacuate again two days later. Once more he feels in limbo in Léo. Léo is another world altogether. At the Embassy I feel the chill of air-conditioners. My shivering corpuscles swim […]

Following a precipitate evacuation from the USIS post in the northwest Congo, ordered by his superior, Fred Hunter was allowed to return. He found the situation in the town much deteriorated. An evacuation plane has arrived, but will refugees be allowed to board it? Here’s his account: Catastrophic possibility. Rebel money may have passed into […]

Following a precipitate evacuation from the USIS post in the northwest Congo, ordered by his superior, Fred Hunter was allowed to return. He found the situation in the town much deteriorated and telexed US Embassy Léo for an evacuation plane. It arrives. But can refugees board it? Here’s his account: As usual the town’s deserted […]

Following a precipitate evacuation from the USIS post in the northwest Congo, ordered by his superior, Fred Hunter was allowed to return. He found the situation in the town much deteriorated and telexed US Embassy Léo for an evacuation plane. Here’s his further account: Returning to the house from the post office where I’ve sent […]

Following a precipitate evacuation from the USIS post in the northwest Congo, ordered by his superior, Fred Hunter was allowed to return to Coquilhatville. He found the situation there much deteriorated. Here’s his account: Hardly has Jules disappeared into the courtyard to check out what sounded like machine-gun fire before Rishi knocks at the front […]

Following a precipitate evacuation from the USIS post in the northwest Congo, ordered by his superior, Fred Hunter was allowed to return. After a day and night back in the town, he found the situation much deteriorated. Here’s his account: Dawn wakes me. Light shimmers in the room. There’s a moment of struggle to keep […]