Written at the tail end of the twentieth century, "Small Wars, Small Mercies" covers some of the civil wars that plagued Africa in the latter years of the tumultuous century.

The roll call of countries featured is impressive; we get Eritrea, Western Sahara, the Congo and South Africa, and their respective fights for independence. As a friend of Western Sahara, it's a poignant moment in the "Small Wars, Small Mercies" when it's highlighted that while African liberation organisations packed up their London office following their victory, the Polisaro Front's (the political representative of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara) office remains.

A good, informative book, even taking into the account it's a quarter of a century out of date. ( )