Intelligence Agencies in Africa: A Preliminary Assessment

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Periodical article

Title:	Intelligence Agencies in Africa: A Preliminary Assessment
Author:	Pateman, Roy
Year:	1992
Periodical:	Journal of Modern African Studies
Volume:	30
Issue:	4
Period:	December
Pages:	569-585
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	intelligence services Politics and Government Law, Human Rights and Violence
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/161265
Abstract:	An examination of what has been published in the field of intelligence collection and activity shows that all African regimes and liberation movements have established some form of secret State-security apparatus, in many cases with considerable external assistance. As for foreign intelligence services, such as America's CIA, Russia's KGB, and Israel's Mossad, they have proved to be effective major mechanisms for influencing the internal affairs of African nations. The secret networks of a number of States in Africa have grown dangerously out of control, sometimes pursuing policies completely at odds with the wishes and interests of their regimes, let alone their inhabitants. The author argues that it is essential to try and balance the genuine needs of national security with the protection of civil liberties. Making the intelligence agencies accountable to the elected representatives of the people must be the ideal goal. Notes, ref.