One of the few Zairian generals not related to Mobutu, he was unique in that he attained his rank on his own merits, rather than through political patronage. Trained in France, he was a member of Mobutu's bodyguard in the 1970s. He fought in the Shaba I conflict, and came to prominence during the Shaba II war. He distinguished himself during the Shaba wars through his discipline and good conduct. After Shaba II, he was promoted to general and given command of the "Berets Rouge" (French: "Red Berets").