The
Day They Ate The Zoo is James Ellery's record of his senior military UN appointments
in two of Africa's most volatile and violent countries - written with insight,
honesty and a light touch.
In
1999, after a successful career in the Army, Ellery was chosen to establish a
new UN mission in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. With nations from
across the continent fighting for a share in the country's vast mineral wealth,
it required all of James's diplomatic and military skills to ensure the mission
was a success - in spite of the machinations of the Congolese authorities.
Less
than two years later, Ellery was selected for another demanding appointment in
Africa - this time in Sierra Leone. His candid despatches document his time as Chief
of Staff of the 17,500 strong UN peacekeeping force. As the country strove to
right itself after a decade of civil war, James played a pivotal role in ensuring
free and fair democratic elections and bringing the major players to book in
the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
Hardback | 216 pages | Published November 2025
