Is anyone here knowledgeable of recent (the last 100 years) African history?

Hi young Davey. In Ghana, W. Africa, colonialist remnants do still survive if not thrive - my partner, 63, is one. Not sure about the mercenaries, but mines (for gold) are still operating miles out in the Bundu (not sure about spelling, but it means bush). Ghana might suit you if you don't mind impoverishment, squalor (again, sp.?), and the odd bit of rancour - and oodles of well-meaning Yanks seeking to get in touch with the land of their forebears (which largely consists of learning to tribal-dance). The air-fare to Accra, the capital, is mean (�500ish return) and the jabs just as expensive, but hey, why not give it a whirl. If you've got a hide like a Rhinoceros, maybe Ghana is for you. Good luck with whatever you do.