I thoroughly enjoyed "Dictatorland" and highly recommend it, although it was not what I initially expected. With a title like Dictatorland and an image of an African dictator on the cover, I anticipated an entertaining overview of Africa’s most notable kleptocrats. While the book certainly delivers engaging accounts of these leaders, it also offers deep insights into the history and context that birthed their tyrannies.

Dowden presents compelling profiles of infamous figures, including Mobutu Sese Seko (Congo), Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe), Muammar Gaddafi (Libya), Sani Abacha (Nigeria), Francisco Macías and Teodoro Obiang (Equatorial Guinea), Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Ivory Coast), and Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea). Each chapter features concise biographies detailing their origins, education, and early political involvement, enriched by their tyrannical reigns characterized by opulence, brutality, and eventual decline.

The author skillfully weaves in the historical background of each country, shedding light on colonial legacies, nationalist movements, and the tumultuous journey to independence. Dowden’s ability to balance engaging storytelling with substantial historical context results in a captivating read that is both informative and entertaining. The dark tales of excess, terror, and the devastating economic collapses of these dictatorships resonate powerfully, making Dictatorland an essential read for anyone interested in the complexities of African politics and history.

I wish I could have this book in my home library!

Best Regards,
H.E Latjor Wuon Lat Dak
South Sudan's Tiding President