The Threat of Liberation returns to the tumultuous years of the Cold War, when, in a striking parallel with today, imperialist powers were seeking to institute ‘regime change’ and install pliant governments.

Using iconic photographs, declassified US and British documents, and in-depth interviews, Amrit Wilson examines the role of the Umma Party of Zanzibar and its leader, the visionary Marxist revolutionary, Abdulrahman Mohamed Babu. Drawing parallels between US paranoia about Chinese Communist influence in the 1960s with contemporary fears about Chinese influence, it looks at the new race for Africa’s resources, the creation of AFRICOM and how East African politicians have bolstered US control. The book also draws on US cables released by Wikileaks showing Zanzibar's role in the ‘War on Terror’ in Eastern Africa today.

The Threat of Liberation reflects on the history of a party which confronted imperialism and built unity across ethnic divisions, and considers the contemporary relevance of such strategies.

Introduction

1. Anti-Colonial Struggles – the Early Days
2. The British Transfer Power to the Sultan and his Allies
3. The Zanzibar Revolution and Imperialist Fears
4. The Union with Tanganyika
5. Karume’s Despotic Rule
6. Trial in Zanzibar’s Kangaroo Court
7. Zanzibar in the Neoliberal Era
8. Diplomats, Aid and US military Interventions

References
Appendix 1: Political Programme of the Umma Party
Appendix 2: Charge sheet for the Umma defendants
References
Index