9 African Leaders Assassinated by Western Powers

Tai Salih E-RYT® 500, YACEP® (she/her)
ZORA
Published in
8 min readJan 23, 2024

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Illustration by Chantal Jahchan. Source: Bettmann / Getty; CIA; Central Press / Getty; Dominique Berretty / Gamma-Rapho / Getty

Throughout the annals of time, Africa has borne witness to the emergence of extraordinary leaders who fervently championed independence and self-determination, etching an indelible mark on the pages of history. Tragically, the narratives of these visionaries were interrupted, their paths scarred by assassinations allegations and speculations of foreign involvement, particularly from Western powers, leading to untimely deaths.

It is imperative to recognize the deliberate destabilization of Africa by Western powers. The continent’s journey toward autonomy and prosperity has been impeded by a persistent pattern of interference, leaving enduring scars on the collective consciousness of its people.

Numerous examples illustrate Western powers intentionally destabilizing Africa for geopolitical and economic motives. One glaring instance is the overthrow of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, in a coup on February 24, 1966. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is implicated in supporting opposition forces, aligning with the broader Cold War strategy to contain socialist ideologies. Nkrumah’s Pan-Africanist vision and pursuit of economic independence posed threats to Western interests, prompting covert actions that disrupted Ghana’s trajectory.

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Tai Salih E-RYT® 500, YACEP® (she/her)
ZORA
Writer for

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