This book analyses the performance of national liberation movements in Africa after they gain state power. Bringing together case studies from across Africa, the book builds a comprehensive analysis of the challenges national liberation movements face when ascending power, and why so many ultimately end in failure. 'This collection provides a much needed conceptual and comparative analysis of African liberation movements whose struggles against oppression and questionable records as governments remain highly controversial. Wide-ranging and comprehensive, this volume constitutes a landmark in the study of contemporary African politics.' - Roger Southall, Emeritus Professor in Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa 'This wide-ranging collection of case-studies takes our knowledge of national liberation movements in power in Africa to a new level and will be required reading for students of African politics.' - Chris Saunders, Emeritus Professor, University of Cape Town, South Africa