We're speaking of the Congo, not Tanzania, which is a different country on the same continent. Not to mention I wouldn't say the BBC (British Broadcasting Organization) is exactly the best source when it comes to accurately translating indigenous endonyms. The phrase has been around since around 1718 but that doesn't make it any more accurate for actually describing African religions. You may as well call Christian priests imams.
Okay, to be absolutely precise for you, may I quote from "Mercenary", by Colonel Mike Hoare?
I'll just post from page five of Chapter 1, "A Call to Arms". This is the paperback Bantam edition, February/1979. Which concerns the Congo.
Where "Witch Doctor" is written four times, along with "witchcraft" and "mumbo-jumbo". I won't even continue with the other things described about this religion or that religion and its followers. Unless you want to?
PM me if you do.
So being precise for you with a Congolese reference, as well as noting that "Witch Doctor" is a term in use across Africa....
As for the BBC not being the best source, my eyes and ears are my best source. Not any main stream media outlet. So I won't even into my overseas trips and how folks talk totally different over "there", as compared to being back in the US or Europe. Two or more totally different realities, perceptions and opinions, depending on where you come from and where you live.
Just like us on this forum.
But back to the Congo, Col. Hoare helped stabilize that country at the request of then President Tshombe by using white mercenary troops. He was shunned by the O.A.U. after going down this road. Whose various inadequate militaries were totally unable to act as peace keepers in the Congo. Most of whom were also supported by the Soviet Union in opposition to the old Imperials Powers. Weighted reporting now? What about back then???
Some of the same mercenary troops had previously served in the break-away Republic of Katanga, which was not recognized by Belgium but was supported by Belgium business interests. These included Rhodesian, French, British and South African "irregular" troops. Belgians were already serving in the Gendarme. Tshombe was the president of Katanga, which was formed in opposition to the Soviet leaning government of the Congo at that time, under Lumumba.
If you wish a mercenary state in this region, the US will not give its full support, as it would be seen as supporting mercenaries who partly came from Apartheid states. It was political suicide as at the time, 1/10th of the US population was black at that time. Most of the US media back then were very anti-apartheid, we used to get Time magazine and I cut out some of their international reports back then as I was very interested in international conflicts. They for one were not pro-South Africa.
Some if not most of the other European countries would not want to be known as supporters of Apartheid either. Business money though, if you have rich resources in a poor country, who cares about politics??? That's who would support you primarily.
Have you read "The Dogs of War" by Frederick Forsyth?
Cutting edge for 1974, a bit dated right now. The book is better than the movie!
IMHO.......
