** Written 7:28 AM Feb 3, 1997 by disenber@cdi.org in
cdp:disarm.armstra **
From: David Isenberg <disenber@cdi.org>
based on editorial in the February 2, 1997 New York Times,
Section 4, p. 14 [in my own words, so no copyright violation --Chris]
Executive Outcomes is a South African-based mercinary organization led by
whites who used to work in South Africa's notorious counterinsurgency
units. They advertise their services in brochures. It was formed in 1989
and claims to work only for legitimate governments (unlike European
anti-communist mercinaries Mike Hoare and Bob Denard).
Soldiers are mostly black and make at least $2,000 a month. They use
modern weapons, including helicopter gunships. They led a battle which
defeated Angola's guerilla army for $60 million. They also defeated the
insurgency in Sierra Leone, reportedly for diamond mining concessions.
The claim to have a relationship with 30 governments.
As mercenaries, their actions are accountable to nobody except their own
leaders. The South Afrcan government under Nelson Mandela says it is
going to outlaw Executive Outcomes.