The Congo: Moise's Black Magic

The unofficial campaign symbol of Moise Tshombe's new Conaco Party is a smooth, black $50 attaché case. He brought it back from Brussels with him last week, waved it triumphantly to the cheering crowds that lined his two-hour parade route from Ndjili Airport into the capital, displayed it shyly before whirring cameras and popping flashbulbs at his official residence, and probably took it to bed with him that night. The fuss over the attaché case was well-warranted. It contained that most powerful of Congolese magic: money, and the promise of more money to come.

In the little black bag were...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!