In 1977, French mercenaries led by Bob Denard commenced a coup d'état against President Mathieu Kérékou of the People’s Republic of Benin. This failed coup d'état, code-named Opération Crevette, is the subject of this work by Les Sosnowski, a practicing attorney specializing in international law, and Monique Sosnowski. Opération Crevette was one of numerous coups d'état attempted in Benin as the new state struggled to exist. Exploring the role played by Denard, a French-born mercenary, and the French state in this attempted overthrow of Mathieu Kérékou, the authors highlight the intersection between internal and external forces within Africa in this period within a complicated and ever-changing situation. Drawing from a variety of primary sources, they examine further the situation in Benin; the development of Opération Crevette, especially after Mathieu Kérékou embraced Marxist ideas; and the failed coup and its consequences through a series of chronological chapters. The use of personal accounts and memoirs allows the authors to develop a fuller account of the failed coup, while the included appendixes provide lists of those who participated. Recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.

Choice Reviews

Les and Monique Sosnowski have provided a comprehensive discussion and critical analysis of French colonial legacies and strategic interests, the Cold War, civil governance, military coup d’état, regional geopolitics, and foreign mercenaries in the Republic of Benin. African heads of state, policy makers, diplomats, political scientists, and historians must read this book.

Scopas S. Poggo, The Ohio State University

It has taken decades for a good, well-researched assessment of what took place in that mercenary attack in West Africa many years ago to emerge. Les and Monique Sosnowski’s book provides this strong assessment and addresses Bob Denard’s role. The mercenary attack, headed by the irrepressible Bob Denard (who I knew well), set the scene for a plethora of 'War Dog' adventures that were to follow.

Al J. Venter, author of 'Takka Takka Bom Bom: An Intrepid War Correspondent's 50 Year Odyssey'