Mobutu Sese Seko

**Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa za Banga** (/məˈbuːtuː ˈsɛseɪ ˈsɛkoʊ/ ⓘ *mə-BOO-too SESS-ay SEK-oh*; born **Joseph-Désiré Mobutu**; 14 October 1930 – 7 September 1997), people dey call am Mobutu Sese Seko or Mobutu and sana known by ein initials MSS, e be Congolese politician plus military officer wey be de first and only president of Zaire from 1971 to 1997. Before dat, Mobutu serve as de second president of de Democratic Republic of de Congo, from 1965 to 1971. E sana serve as de fifth chairperson of de Organisation of African Unity from 1967 to 1968. During de Congo Crisis insyd 1960, Mobutu, wey den be Chief of Staff insyd de Congolese Army, commot de nation ein democratically elected govment of Patrice Lumumba plus support from de U.S. and Belgium. Mobutu put govment insyd wey arrange make dem execute Lumumba for 1961, and e continue dey lead de country ein armed forces till e take power direct insyd another coup for 1965.

To make sure say power no escape am, he create de Popular Movement of de Revolution as de only correct political party for 1967, change Congo ein name go Zaire for 1971, plus e own name turn Mobutu Sese Seko for 1972. Mobutu protect ein rule under hard autocratic regime and end up dey rule during time wey human rights violations spread everywhere. E try purge de country from all colonial culture tins through ein "national authenticity" program. Mobutu turn de main person wey everybody dey hype like say na cult of personality he dey carry.

Mobutu talk say ein political ideology no be "left", no be "right", and no be "centre" too, but people mostly know am say e dey against communism for de Françafrique zone. Because of dat, United States, France, plus Belgium support am well-well—dem dash am military, diplomatic, and economic backing. E still build tight link plus apartheid South Africa, Israel, plus de Greek junta dem.

Mobutu get strong name for corruption plus nepotism: dem talk say ein personal wealth fit reach from $50 million go $5 billion, all na from economic exploitation plus corruption as president. Some people call ein govment kleptocracy, ’cos e dey pile ein own money while Zaire ein economy suffer—plenty inflation, big debt, and serious currency wahala. E too known for ein flashy lifestyle, like how e dey fly go Paris on top de fast-fast Concorde jet just to do shopping.

By 1990, as de economy start dey spoil plus tension dey rise, dem force Mobutu Sese Seko make e enter coalition plus political opponents and agree make dem do multiparty system. Even though e use ein soldiers try block de change, de movement no gree stop. By May 1997, rebel dem wey Laurent-Désiré Kabila lead take over de country and push Mobutu go exile. E already dey battle prostate cancer wey hard, so three months later, e die for Morocco.

## Biography

### Early years den education
Mobutu, wey come from de Ngbandi ethnic group, dem born am for 1930 insyd Lisala, Belgian Congo. Mobutu ein mommie, Marie Madeleine Yemo, be hotel maid wey run go Lisala make she escape one local village chief ein harem. Na there she jam Albéric Gbemani, cook wey dey work for one Belgian judge, den she marry am. Not long after, she born Mobutu. Na one uncle pick de name “Mobutu” give am.

Gbemani die when Mobutu be just eight years. After dat, one uncle plus ein grandfather raise am.

De Belgian judge ein wife take fine eye see Mobutu, so she teach am how to speak, read plus write French well-well, wey be de official language of de colony. Ein mommie Yemo wey be widow, lean on family help to take care of her four pikin dem, and dem dey move from place to place often. Mobutu ein first schooling happen for capital town Léopoldville (wey now dem dey call Kinshasa). Later, ein mommie send am go ein uncle for Coquilhatville (now Mbandaka), where e attend Christian Brothers School, one Catholic-mission boarding school. Mobutu shine for books top and even run de class newspaper. People still know am for ein stubborn pranks and sharp small-boy sense of humor.

One classmate remember say anytime de Belgian priests—wey ein main language be Dutch—make mistake for French, Mobutu go jump from ein seat for class top and point out de error sharp. For 1949, Mobutu sneak enter one boat wey dey go downriver to Léopoldville, where e jam one girl. Some weeks later, de priests find am. As school year end, instead of dem send am go prison, dem order make e serve seven years insyd de colonial army, Force Publique (FP). Dat kind punishment na normal tin for students wey dey act stubborn.

### Army service
Mobutu find discipline for army life top, and e see father figure insyd Sergeant Louis Bobozo. Mobutu no stop ein studies—e dey borrow European newspapers from de Belgian officers plus pick books from anywhere e fit find, then e go read dem during sentry duty or any small chance e get. De ones wey e like pass be de writings of French president Charles de Gaulle, British prime minister Winston Churchill, plus de Italian Renaissance philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli. After e pass one course for accounting, Mobutu start small-small dey do journalism work proper. Still vexed about how e and de school priests jam wahala, e no marry for church. De only thing e fit bring for de wedding enjoyment be one crate of beer—na all ein army salary fit buy.

### Early political involvement
As soldier, Mobutu dey write politics matter under fake name for Actualités Africaines (African News), one magazine wey one Belgian colonial set up. For 1956, e comot from army and turn full-time journalist, dey write for Léopoldville daily L'Avenir.

Two years later, e go Belgium to report de 1958 World Exposition, then e stay back make e learn journalism better. By dis time, Mobutu don meet plenty young Congolese intellectuals wey dey challenge colonial rule. E come build friendship plus Patrice Lumumba and join Lumumba ein party—Congolese National Movement (MNC). Mobutu later become Lumumba ein personal aide. Some people wey know de matter talk say Belgian intelligence fit don recruit Mobutu as informant give de government.

During de 1960 talks wey happen for Brussels about Congolese independence, de US embassy organize one reception give de Congolese delegation. Each embassy staff get list of delegates wey dem suppose meet, and later dem come talk about de people dem meet. De ambassador talk say, “One name just dey pop up steady. But nobody get am for ein list 'cos e no be official delegation member—e be Lumumba ein secretary. But everybody agree say dis guy get strong brain, e be young, maybe small immature, but e get big future ahead.”

After de general election, dem assign Lumumba make e form govment. E give Mobutu de position of Secretary of State to de Presidency. Mobutu carry plenty weight for deciding de rest of de govment people. But after independence land, e no fit see Lumumba one-on-one again like before, 'cos de new prime minister start dey busy plus plenty aides and colleagues surround am. From there, both of dem slowly start drift apart.

### Congo Crisis
Main article: Congo Crisis

On 5 July 1960, soldiers of de Force Publique wey dey Camp Léopold II for Léopoldville vex over dem all-white leaders and bad working conditions, so dem rise mutiny. Di revolt spread go other places sharp-sharp. Mobutu join other officials talk to de mutineers so dem fit free de officers plus dem families. Then on 8 July, de full Council of Ministers gather for one special meeting under President Joseph Kasa-Vubu ein chairmanship for Camp Léopold II to face de matter of Africanising de garrison.

De ministers start dey argue who go fit take de top job as army chief of staff. Two people wey stand out be Minister of Youth and Sports Maurice Mpolo, plus Mobutu. Mpolo don already show say e get some control over de soldiers wey dey mutiny, but Kasa-Vubu plus de Bakongo ministers fear say if dem give am power, e fit run coup. Mobutu on de other hand, people see am as cool-head wey dey think before e act. Lumumba respect Mpolo for ein boldness, but e prefer Mobutu ein cautious style. As de argument go on, de cabinet start split based on who dem support to be chief of staff. Lumumba no wan lose any of de two camps, so e try keep both men for ein team. In de end, dem give Mobutu de position and promote am to colonel. Next day, govment teams comot from de capital to supervise how dem go Africanise de army; Mobutu own assignment na for Équateur. While Mobutu dey there, Mpolo begin act as ANC Chief of Staff. Mobutu no happy at all with dat move, so when e return to de capital, e face Lumumba inside cabinet meeting and tell am plain: “Either I no deserve am and you gots sack me, or I do de mission well and I go keep my rank plus position.”

De British diplomat Brian Urquhart, wey dey work plus de United Nations, yarn say: “When I first meet Mobutu for July 1960, e be Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba ein chief military assistant and e just promote himself from sergeant go lieutenant-colonel. Compared to ein boss, Mobutu be like pillar of common sense and sharp reasoning. Na to am we go when Lumumba ein hashish-high guards arrest our people. Na Mobutu too dey casually bring up Lumumba ein wild requests—like say make UN pay salary give Congolese army wey fit mutiny. For dem early days, Mobutu look like reasonable young man, wey maybe, just maybe, dey reason good for ein new independent country.”

Backed by Belgian govment wey wan still hold tight to de rich Congolese mines, secessionist violence burst out for south. As UN soldiers wey dem send come restore order no dey help crush de secession, Lumumba go turn to Soviet Union for help. Inside six weeks, e receive serious military aid plus about thousand Soviet technical advisers. Since na Cold War time, US govment fear say dis Soviet move be trick to spread communist power for Central Africa. US and Belgium come ginger Kasa-Vubu make e sack Lumumba, and on 5 September, e do am. Lumumba vex rough and say Kasa-Vubu no be president again. Parliament no gree sack any of dem, instead dem beg for reconciliation, but no headway.

Lumumba plus Kasa-Vubu each tell Mobutu make e arrest de other one. As Army Chief of Staff, Mobutu start face heavy pressure from all angle. Western countries' embassies—wey dey pay soldiers salary—plus Kasa-Vubu and Mobutu ein own men, all dem want make Soviet people pack. So on 14 September, Mobutu do coup wey no draw blood, announce say both Kasa-Vubu and Lumumba dey “neutralised” and form one new govment of university graduates—dem call am College of Commissioners-General. Lumumba no accept am but dem force am retire go ein house, where UN peacekeepers block Mobutu ein soldiers make dem no arrest am. Urquhart talk say on de coup day, Mobutu just waka enter UN headquarters for Léopoldville without invite and no gree comot till radio announce de coup; na dat time Mobutu begin repeat “C’est moi!”—“Na me!” Urquhart realise say Mobutu just land there in case de coup mess up, so e tell am to comot.

As confidence drop say de international community go support am come back to power, Lumumba run commot for late November go meet ein supporters for Stanleyville to form new govment. Early December, Mobutu ein soldiers catch am, then keep am for ein base insyd Thysville. But Mobutu still see am as danger, so on 17 January 1961, e move Lumumba go de rebel State of Katanga. From dat point, nobody see Lumumba again. Later dem find out say same day wey dem move am, de secessionist forces under Moise Tshombe execute am, after Mobutu ein govment hand am over.

On 23 January 1961, Kasa-Vubu promote Mobutu go major-general. One historian, De Witte, talk say na political move wey aim to make de army stronger, since na de president ein only support, and to boost Mobutu ein stand inside de army.

For 1964, Pierre Mulele lead some fighters start another rebellion. Dem fast take over two-thirds of Congo. Mobutu lead de Congolese army respond, and by 1965, dem take back de whole land.

### Second ''coup'' and consolidation of power
Sanso see: Second Mobutu coup d'état

Prime Minister Moise Tshombe ein party, de Congolese National Convention, win big majority for March 1965 elections, but Kasa-Vubu appoint Évariste Kimba, one anti-Tshombe man, as prime minister-designate. Parliament no gree approve am two times. As de govment almost jam dead end, Mobutu take over power through coup wey no draw blood on 24 November—he just turn 35 one month before.

Under one system wey dem call state of exception (regime d'exception), Mobutu grab full—almost absolute—power for five years. For ein first speech after e take power, Mobutu talk give big crowd for Léopoldville main stadium say, since na politicians spoil Congo within five years, e go need at least dat same time to fix am. So, for dat reason, no political party go do anything for five years. On 30 November 1965, Parliament pass law wey give Mobutu plus ein cabinet most of de legislative powers, but still hold small power to check ein decrees. By early March 1966, when Parliament start new session, Mobutu announce say he dey cancel dat review power, and two weeks after, ein govment shutdown Parliament for good and collect all de remaining authority.

At de start, Mobutu ein govment come out like say e no dey into politics—or even dey against am. People begin see “politician” as bad word, wey mean person wey wicked or corrupt. For 1966, dem set up de Corps of Volunteers of de Republic, one strong frontline group wey aim to gather plenty public support behind Mobutu. Na same year dem hail am as de country ein “Second National Hero” after Lumumba. Even though Mobutu play role for how Lumumba commot power, e try package himself like person wey dey carry Lumumba ein legacy continue. One of de key things wey Mobutu dey preach for early part of ein rule be “authentic Congolese nationalism”. Na dat 1966 too e begin change city names wey get European roots to names wey sound more African—na so Léopoldville turn Kinshasa, Stanleyville become Kisangani, and Élisabethville change to Lubumbashi.

Then for 1967, Mobutu bring out de Popular Movement of de Revolution (MPR). From dat time go reach 1990, na only dat party dem dey allow for politics. Inside de MPR ein beliefs—wey dem write for Manifesto of N'Sele—dem push nationalism, revolution, plus “authenticity”. Dem describe revolution as “truly national and very practical,” wey reject both capitalism and communism. One popular slogan from de MPR be “Neither left nor right,” and later dem add “nor even center” join.

That same year, all de trade unions dem join body into one single union—National Union of Zairian Workers—and de govment take full control over am. Mobutu plan say de union no go operate on ein own, but rather support govment policy like tool. From dat time till 1991, any independent trade union be illegal.

As e face plenty wahala for de beginning of ein rule, Mobutu use favour-sharing (patronage) win over most of ein opposition; de ones wey no gree, e handle dem rough. For 1966, four cabinet members chop arrest because dem say dem join plan coup. Military court try dem case, then dem do public execution wey over 50,000 people watch live for open ground. Former Katangan gendarmeries wey rise also face Mobutu ein force and dem smash dem down—same as de Stanleyville mutinies of 1967 wey white mercenaries lead. By 1970, almost all de people wey fit challenge Mobutu power don fall, and for most parts of de country, law plus order start dey show face. That 1970 be de peak time of Mobutu ein power and respect.

For 1970, King Baudouin of Belgium come Kinshasa do big state visit wey go well. Dat same year, dem hold presidential plus legislative elections. Even though de constitution say two parties fit dey, na only MPR dem allow nominate candidates. For de presidential election, Mobutu be de only person wey run. Voting no dey private; if you support Mobutu, you go drop green paper, but if you no dey support am, na red paper you go use. Green vote mean say you dey vote for hope, while red vote mean chaos. Under dat kind condition, de result no be surprise—official result talk say Mobutu win with almost everybody behind am, collect 10,131,669 votes, and only 157 people say “no”. Later dem come find out say over 30,500 more votes appear pass de number of voters wey register. Dem run de legislative elections same style. People get just one list from MPR; official result talk say unbelievable 98.33% people vote for de MPR list.

As Mobutu dey cement ein power, e build different military groups wey na only to protect am dem dey. These groups include de Special Presidential Division, Civil Guard plus Service for Action, and Military Intelligence (SNIP).

### Authenticity campaign
Main article: Authenticité (Zaire)

Mobutu start big campaign wey promote African culture wey dem call *authenticité*. As part of am, on 1 June 1966, e begin change city names wey show colonial past—Léopoldville turn Kinshasa, Elisabethville change to Lubumbashi, and Stanleyville become Kisangani. For October 1971, e change de country ein name to Republic of Zaire. E order people make dem drop dem European names for African ones, and warn priests say if dem baptize Zairian pikin plus European name, dem go chop five years for prison. Western dressing and neck tie come dey banned, and men must wear one Mao-style tunic dem dey call *abacost* (short for *à bas le costume* wey mean “down with de suit”). Even Christmas move from December go June because Mobutu say dat one be more “authentic” date.

Then for 1972, Mobutu follow ein own rule from previous year and change ein name to Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga (wey mean “De all-powerful warrior wey, because of ein endurance and strong will to win, dey move from victory to victory, and leave fire behind”). Around dat time, e drop de army uniform and start wear ein signature look—tall and commanding, plus walking stick, abacost, thick glasses, and leopard-skin cap wey dem sew for Paris.

For 1974, new constitution land wey tighten Mobutu ein hold on de country. Dis constitution talk say MPR be de “single institution” for de nation. Dem even define am as “de nation politically organized”—which mean say de state just be machine wey dey push party agenda. Every citizen automatically turn MPR member from de moment dem born. De constitution explain say de MPR dey inside de body of de party ein president, wey dem dey elect every seven years during national convention. But at de same time, dat same president automatically turn de only person wey go run for president of de country. Den dem go use referendum confirm am. De document come turn Mobutu ein emergency powers wey e dey use since 1965 into legal backing; e give am full authority—wey dem write as “plenitude of power exercise”—so all power now dey Mobutu ein hand. Mobutu win election three times under dis system, and each time, dem talk say e win with over 98 percent of de votes. For de legislative side, dem dey bring one single MPR list every five years, and de results dey show crazy numbers—either everybody vote for dem, or almost everybody. One of dem elections for 1975, dem no even vote at all—dem just show candidates around public places make people clap give dem. Dat one na how voting be.

## One-man rule
Mobutu start use public executions early insyd ein rule to stamp ein power well-well. Any political rival, secessionist, coup planner, or anybody wey e see as threat, e go deal with dem hard. Many of dem people chop hanging for front big crowd. One serious example be former Prime Minister Évariste Kimba. Mobutu govment carry Kimba plus three of ein cabinet members—Jérôme Anany (Defense Minister), Emmanuel Bamba (Finance Minister), and Alexandre Mahamba (Minister of Mines and Energy)—put for trial May 1966. By 30 May, dem hang all four men in front of over 50,000 people. Dem say dem dey link up plus Colonel Alphonse Bangala and Major Pierre Efomi to run coup. Mobutu come talk say, “One had to strike through a spectacular example, and create the conditions of regime discipline. When a chief takes a decision, he decides – period.”

Then for 1968, Pierre Mulele—Lumumba ein Education Minister and big rebel during de 1964 Simba uprising—Mobutu people trick am come out from exile for Brazzaville by telling am say amnesty go dey. But instead of peace, dem torture and kill am bad. Before Mulele die, dem gouge ein eyes, tear off ein genitals, and cut off ein limbs one by one.

Mobutu later change ein strategy—e start dey buy political opponents instead of always use force. E like repeat one slogan: “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer still,” to show how e dey use bribe pull rivals to ein side. One trick wey Mobutu really enjoy be “musical chairs”—e dey rotate ministers like game, change cabinet list anyhow, so nobody go build power wey fit threaten am. From November 1965 to April 1997, Mobutu reshuffle cabinet 60 times. Dis constant shuffle put fear inside ministers, because everybody know say Mobutu go change people anyhow, no matter whether you dey work well or not. Because ministers no sabi how long dem go last for position, e lead to serious stealing—everybody dey rush grab wetin dem fit while dem still dey office. Mobutu still dey arrest, even torture, some dissident govment members—then later forgive dem and even give dem bigger posts. E be like e just use power play confuse everybody. Congolese historian Emizet F. Kisangani talk say plenty public officials believe say no matter how corrupt or useless dem be, dem fit come back to govment position. To hold post no require management skill or clean conscience. In fact, if you too correct or too honest, dem see you as obstacle. Wetin Mobutu want be total loyalty in exchange for chance to chop money. By 1970, reports talk say Mobutu don carry 60% of de national budget enter ein pocket—people begin see am as one of de most corrupt leaders for Africa and de whole world. Kisangani add say Mobutu build full system of corruption wey spoil public values and reward greed and selfishness.

Mobutu no slow down with de self-promotion moves—man try for 1972 make dem crown am president for life, but that one no land well. Then for June 1983, e raise himself go military top-top level as Marshal. Na General Likulia Bolongo sign dat order. Shortly after, Victor Nendaka Bika—de number two man for country as Vice-President of de Bureau of de Central Committee—drop one big speech full of praise give Mobutu.

To chop revenue from Congo ein natural resources, Mobutu first chase out European investors and nationalize plenty foreign companies. But instead of letting dem run proper, e dash control of these firms give ein relatives and close padi dem—wey quickly use am do corruption and chop company assets clean. For 1973–1974, Mobutu start one big “Zairianization” program, take over more foreign businesses and hand dem to Zairians. But e no end there. By October 1973, de Arab oil shock come crash global economy—the same one wey don dey grow steady since 1945. One serious side effect be say copper price fall by 50% in 1974, and since copper na Zaire ein number one export, e hit dem hard. As American historian Thomas Odom talk, Zaire shift from “prosperity to bankruptcy almost overnight.” Because de economy break down, Zaire run go International Monetary Fund (IMF) for help to manage dem debt, but when IMF dig into dem books, dem discover heavy corruption. Mobutu come waka go China for 1974, take inspiration from Cultural Revolution. E come back wearing Mao jacket and call himself “Citoyen Mobutu” or “Citizen Mobutu.” E say he go “radicalize de Zairian revolution.” Di same businesses wey e first give to Zairians, Mobutu come collect dem back, nationalize everything under full state control. As if dat no do, e cut government workers ein salaries by 50%, wey provoke one failed coup attempt against am for June 1975.

By 1977, Mobutu ein earlier move to nationalize foreign businesses don backfire hard—e economy don fall serious, and e no get choice but to beg foreign investors come back. But before e fit recover, Katangan rebels wey base for Angola storm Zaire dat same year, as payback for Mobutu ein support to anti-MPLA fighters. France respond quick—dem airlift 1,500 Moroccan paratroopers into Zaire, push de rebels back, and end di crisis wey dem call *Shaba I*. But no long after, for 1978, de rebels regroup with even more numbers and invade again—this time na *Shaba II*. Belgium and France come deploy troops again, backed by US logistics, and dem manage stop de attack once more. Mobutu get big embarrassment from how badly de Zairian Army perform for both invasions—e need foreign help to fight small rebel forces. Yet, instead of reforming de army, e just reduce am from 51,000 troops in 1978 to 23,000 by 1980. By dat time, about 90% of de army be Ngbandi—Mobutu ein own ethnic group—’cos e no trust other ethnic groups with weapons. De most loyal and strongest force Mobutu get be ein bodyguards—the *Special Presidential Division*—trained by Israel, made up only of Ngbandi, and always led by Mobutu ein relative.

Mobutu win election again for 1977 and 1984, but nobody dey run against am. E use most of ein time dey build ein own fortune, and by 1988, dem estimate say ein money reach no less than $50 million. Most of de money e hide am abroad, especially for Swiss banks—but when dem remove am later, dem only find small $3.4 million there. Funny enough, ein fortune nearly match de whole country ein foreign debt dat time. One time for 20 May 1976, Mobutu talk for stadium wey hold like 70,000 people for Kinshasa. E talk say, “If you wan thief, thief small and style am nice. But if you thief too much to turn rich fast-fast, dem go catch you.” By 1989, Zaire govment no fit pay dem loans again from Belgium.

Mobutu dey ride in fleet of Mercedes-Benz from one palace to another, while roads dey spoil and people dey hungry. Workers no dey get pay for months, ’cos de national money dey disappear go Mobutu, ein family, and top political plus army people. Na only Special Presidential Division wey dey protect Mobutu wey dem dey pay correct and on time. Dem even get saying wey go like dis: “De civil servants dey pretend say dem dey work, while de state dey pretend say e dey pay dem.” De national army—Forces Armées Zaïroises (FAZ)—no get morale at all. Salaries no dey come, living conditions bad, supplies no dey, and officers dey chop people. De army soldiers just turn like armed thieves—dey rob civilians anyhow. Roadblocks full everywhere, and dem dey extort money from anybody wey dey pass with car or truck.

Mobutu ein poor handling of de economy cause serious inflation wey mess up de value of people dem salaries. As money value dey drop fast, plenty public servants start dey do their own way—corruption plus dishonesty turn daily survival style for workers all across de system.

Mobutu himself live large. E cruise for de Congo River inside ein yacht, Kamanyola. For Gbadolite, e build one huge mansion wey people dey call “Versailles of de jungle.” Anytime e wan go shopping for Paris, e go charter Air France ein Concorde jet. E even build Gbadolite Airport with long runway make Concorde fit land and take off there. For 1989 alone, e use dat jet fly go give speech for United Nations in New York, attend de French bicentennial party as President François Mitterrand ein guest, and carry Zaire youth choir from Paris to Gbadolite, then fly go Marseille—all with Concorde.

Mobutu also get villa for French Riviera wey dem call *Villa del Mere*. Ein whole leadership style come be example of real kleptocracy and nepotism. Mobutu dey put ein Ngbandi tribe people plus close relatives for top positions inside de military and govment. E dey groom ein first-born son, Nyiwa, to take over presidency from am, but Nyiwa die from AIDS for 1994.

Mobutu rule be one of de longest autocracies for Africa. E stash over $50 million from Congo ein natural resources, while ordinary people dey suffer. E form one totalitarian system wey break plenty human rights, try wipe out Belgian influence from de country, and still hold strong anti-communist position to gain favor from international powers.

Mobutu ein personality cult reach levels wey few leaders for history fit match. De evening news go start with video wey show am dey descend from cloud top like some god figure. Ein face full public places everywhere—portrait hang for walls, and govment workers dey wear lapel pins wey carry ein photo. Dem give am plenty grand titles: “Father of de Nation,” “Messiah,” “Guide of de Revolution,” “Helmsman,” “Founder,” “Savior of de People,” and “Supreme Combatant.” For de 1996 documentary about de legendary 1974 Foreman–Ali boxing match wey happen for Zaire, you go hear dancers chant “Sese Seko, Sese Seko!” as dem welcome de fighters—na clear sign of how deep e presence dey everywhere, even inside pop culture moments. For early 1975, e reach point wey Mobutu no gree make media call anybody ein name—only Mobutu fit be called by name, everybody else dem just refer to dem position. E really build one kind system wey make am look like dem no fit mention Congo without mention am.

Mobutu take advantage proper of de Cold War tension wey dey between de European countries plus de United States. He win strong support from de West plus dem international organizations like de International Monetary Fund (IMF).

### Space program
For late 1970s, one West Germany company called OTRAG dey work on satellite launch wey dem talk say be peaceful mission to reduce cost. But because of one 1954 amendment to de Treaty of Brussels, dem no fit build or launch missile insyd Germany. So dem pay Mobutu $130 million make dem run de program for Zaire. For one 1978 agreement, Mobutu dash OTRAG 25 years lease for land insyd Zaire. De first rocket, OTRAG-1, launch on 18 May 1977 wey Mobutu dey watch from far. E take off well but e crash back down shortly after. 

By 6 June 1978, dem launch two more rockets but dem crash again for Zaire. Still, Mobutu push de program say over 200 Zairians dey work for there and say Zaire go benefit from royalties when dem begin sell rocket. But two years later, Soviet Union accuse de program say former Nazi scientists dey involved plus say dem dey use am spy for military reason. Mobutu gree to Soviet pressure, end de project, plus cut ties with OTRAG.

### Foreign policy
Main article: Foreign policy of de Mobutu Sese Seko administration

#### Relations plus Belgium
De relationship wey dey between Zaire and Belgium under Mobutu time dey mix — sometimes dem be paddy, other times dem turn real enemies. Most of de time, Belgian leaders no really react strong even when Mobutu do tins wey no favour Belgium; dis be partly because de Belgian political side demself no dey united. From early Mobutu rule, yawa start between dem because of plenty Belgian businesses wey dey Congo. But things cool small after. For 1968, Mobutu and ein family go Belgium as special guest of de Belgian king, and dat same year dem sign one science plus technical agreement. For 1970, King Baudouin visit Kinshasa and everybody hail am; dem even sign treaty of friendship and cooperation. But Mobutu tear dis same treaty insyd 1974 because Belgium no gree ban one anti-Mobutu book wey Jules Chomé, one left-wing lawyer, write. Mobutu e "Zairianisation" policy, wey be say he seize foreign businesses and give dem to Zairians, make matters worse. Even though yawa dey, Mobutu still get personal friendship with some top Belgians. He admire Edmond Leburton, wey be Belgian prime minister (1973–1974), and he be paddy to Alfred Cahen, one diplomat wey Mobutu meet from his Brussels university days. Mobutu and King Baudouin too dey cool until Mobutu leak one handwritten letter from de king — after dat, palace shut door gidi-gidi. Because of dis, Mobutu no get invitation go de king ein funeral; only Saddam Hussein from Iraq join am for dat black list. Apart from Belgians wey dey Belgium, Mobutu keep Belgian advisors close — like Hugues Leclercq and Colonel Willy Mallants, wey even show for Thierry Michel ein documentary *Mobutu, King of Zaire*.

#### Relations plus France
As Zaire be de second most populous French-speaking country for de world by den (plus now e even pass France sef) and de biggest one for sub-Saharan Africa, France see am as one big strategic paddy. During de First Republic time, France mostly support conservative and federalist people, no be de unitarist dem like Lumumba. Right after dem crush de Katangan secession, Zaire (wey dem dey call Republic of de Congo by den) sign technical plus cultural cooperation treaty plus France. Under Charles de Gaulle ein presidency, di two countries start bond tight because dem share plenty geopolitical interests. For 1971, France ein Finance Minister, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, visit Zaire. Later when he turn France ein president, he and Mobutu become close pals, and France turn Mobutu ein strong foreign ally. During de Shaba invasions, France no dull — dem stand full support for Mobutu. For de first Shaba wahala, France carry 1,500 Moroccan troops come Zaire by airlift; dem help drive de rebels. One year later, as de second Shaba invasion land, France and Belgium both send French Foreign Legion paratroopers (2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment) come help Mobutu fight dem off.

#### Relations plus de People ein Republic of China
At de beginning, Zaire ein relationship plus de People's Republic of China no better pass how e dey with Soviet Union. Mobutu still dey remember how China help Mulele plus some Maoist rebels wey fight for Kwilu province during de Simba Rebellion wahala. E no dey like make China get seat for United Nations too. But by 1972, Mobutu start dey see China inna new way — like one balance wey go fit check Soviet Union power and even balance ein own close relationship plus United States, Israel, and South Africa. So for November 1972, Mobutu gree recognize China as one country diplomatically (plus East Germany and North Korea join body). Di next year, Mobutu fly go Beijing, meet chairman Mao Zedong, and dem promise am $100 million technical aid. For 1983, when Chinese Prime Minister Zhao Ziyang come visit Zaire, he talk say make Mobutu no worry repay de $100 million — e be gift.

For 1974, Mobutu surprise everybody as e travel go China plus North Korea, even though originally dem plan say e go visit Soviet Union. As e return come Zaire, ein politics den de way e dey talk turn more radical. Na dis time Mobutu start bash Belgium plus United States — e vex say America no dey do enough to fight white minority rule for South Africa and Rhodesia. E introduce one new civic duty program wey dem call *salongo* — everybody must do compulsory national work. E sana bring "radicalization" wey be extension of de 1973 *Zairianization* policy, wey take foreign-owned things give to locals. Mobutu even borrow title from Mao — "de Helmsman". Around dis same time, from late 1974 to early 1975, ein personality cult reach peak — everywhere na Mobutu name, face, den slogan.

China plus Zaire get one common target for Central Africa: make dem stop Soviet Union from gain any stronghold for dat side. So dem join hand undercover take support National Liberation Front of Angola (later dem support UNITA too) make dem block MPLA — de People's Movement for de Liberation of Angola — wey Soviet Union plus Cuba dey back. Cuba get big power for Africa dat time, as dem dey help all left-wing, anti-imperialist groups, and Soviet dey sponsor dem heavy. China invite Holden Roberto, wey be de leader of de National Liberation Front of Angola, plus ein guerilla fighters go Beijing make dem train. Dem also give dem weapons plus money. Zaire sef try enter Angola first, try put their own friendly government for power, but Cuban soldiers push dem back. De invasion no work — e be big wahala wey lead to Shaba I and Shaba II invasions later. China no support dis rebels at all; dem even send weapons go support Zaire during both invasions. China come accuse Soviet Union plus Cuba say dem dey behind de Shaba rebel trouble, say dem dey try scatter peace for Central Africa — even though nobody sure whether Soviet plus Cuba really dey involved or no.

**Relations** **plus de Soviet Union**

Mobutu ein relationship plus Soviet Union no be cool koraa. He be hard-core anti-communist, so he no dey rush go recognize de Soviets. USSR bin support—tho e be mostly in words—both Patrice Lumumba, Mobutu ein democratically elected predecessor, plus de Simba rebellion. However, to make e look like say he no dey side any bloc, he renew ties for 1967; de first Soviet ambassador come land and present ein credentials for 1968. Mobutu still join United States condemn de Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia dat year. Mobutu take de Soviet presence as advantage for two reasons: e help am keep de image say he be non-aligned leader, plus e give am better excuse to blame things wey dey go wrong for house. Like for 1970, he expel four Soviet diplomats say dem dey do “subversive activities,” and for 1971, he declare twenty Soviet officials as persona non grata say dem dey spark student demonstrations for Lovanium University.

Moscow be de only big world capital wey Mobutu never go before, even tho he accept invitation go dey for 1974. But for reasons wey nobody know, he cancel de visit last minute, then go tour de People's Republic of China plus North Korea instead.

Relations cool more for 1975, as de two countries come dey opposite sides for de Angolan Civil War. Dis one take strong toll on Zaire ein foreign policy for de next ten years; since Mobutu no fit claim say he be African leader again (he be one of de few leaders wey no gree recognize de Marxist govment of Angola), Mobutu come turn more toward US plus dem allies. He start dey support America dem stand for things like de Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, plus Israel ein position for international organizations.

**Relations** **plus de United States**

Most times, Zaire enjoy warm relationship plus United States. US be de third biggest country wey dey give aid to Zaire (after Belgium and France), and Mobutu be paddy man to plenty US presidents like Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, plus George H. W. Bush. But around 1974–1975, de relationship cool small as Mobutu start talk radical things (he bash US foreign policy hard). For 1975 summer, e even reach de worst point as Mobutu accuse CIA say dem dey plan overthrown am, come arrest eleven big Zairian generals plus some civilians, den sentence one former Central Bank boss (Albert Ndele) for absentia. But plenty people no believe say de plot be real; some like Mobutu ein strong critic Nzongola-Ntalaja talk say Mobutu just create de story to take chance sack any military man wey fit challenge am later. Still, even with all dis wahala, de cold vibe no last long—de two countries come unite again as dem dey support de same side for de Angolan Civil War.

Sake of say Mobutu no dey respect human rights, de Carter government try keep small distance from de Kinshasa government. But still, Zaire chop nearly half of all de foreign aid wey Carter give to sub-Saharan Africa. During de first Shaba invasion, US no really do plenty; dem just deliver some supplies wey no be weapon. But for de second Shaba invasion, US come show stronger support—dem help transport plus organize logistics for de French and Belgian paratroopers wey come help Mobutu fight de rebels. Carter even support Mobutu ein talk say Soviet Union plus Cuba dey back de rebels, even though no evidence come prove am. For 1980, US House of Representatives vote make dem stop military aid to Zaire, but US Senate come bring am back after Carter plus US business people wey get interest for Zaire pressure dem.

Mobutu get very warm relationship plus Reagan ein government, especially through money dem dey give am. During Reagan ein time, Mobutu go White House three times, and US no really bash am about de way he dey treat human rights for ein country. When Mobutu visit America for 1983, Reagan talk say Mobutu be “voice of good sense and goodwill.”

Mobutu still get friendly relationship plus Reagan ein replacement, George H. W. Bush. Mobutu even be de first African president wey go visit Bush for White House. But things change sharp sharp after Cold War end. Since Soviet Union no dey again, US and Western countries no see reason again to support Mobutu sake of communism fight. Dem start dey pressure am make he open up de country to democracy. Mobutu vex say US change attitude towards am. He talk say: “I be de latest victim of de cold war, US no need me again. De lesson be say all my support for US policy no mean anything.” For 1993, when Mobutu try come Washington, US State Department bounce am, dem no give am visa.

Mobutu still get some American friends wey no dey government side. One be televangelist Pat Robertson, wey promise say he go try beg US government make dem lift de ban on Mobutu.

## Coalition government
For May 1990, sake of di Cold War wey end, international politics change, economy issues plus gbelemgbelem for di country, Mobutu gree make e lef di MPR ein one-man chop power. For early May, students wey dey Lubumbashi campus for National University of Zaire vex plus Mobutu ein system, dem start protest dey shout say make e step down. On di night of 11 May 1990, dem off di light for campus, den send one special army group wey dem dey call *Les Hiboux* (wey mean “Owls”) come, all of dem carry cutlass plus bayonet. By di morning of 12 May, dem don kill like 290 students. Dis gbelem wey happen make countries like di European Economic Community (wey now be European Union), United States, plus Canada, cut all support wey no be humanitarian. Na dis move be di beginning of di end for Mobutu ein backing from Western countries.

Mobutu put transitional government make dem lead go di elections wey e promise, but e still hold serious powers for hand. After some gbelem wey unpaid soldiers cause for Kinshasa for 1991, Mobutu carry some opposition people join coalition government, but e still use corner corner hold tight di security services plus key ministries. Wahala between di different camps make dem divide into two governments for 1993 — one wey dey Mobutu ein side and one wey dey against am. Di anti-Mobutu side dey under Laurent Monsengwo plus Étienne Tshisekedi from Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS).

Di economic condition still dey very bad, so for 1994 di two groups come join body form High Council of Republic – Parliament of Transition (HCR-PT). Mobutu come appoint Kengo Wa Dondo, wey believe in strict spending plus free-market reforms, as Prime Minister. As all dis dey happen, Mobutu ein body too dey weak well well, and for one of ein travels go Europe for medical care, some Tutsi people come take over plenty areas for eastern Zaire.

## Overthrow
Na di beginning of Mobutu e downfall start during di Rwandan genocide for 1994, wey about 800,000 Tutsis plus moderate Hutus dem kill am, mostly by about 200,000 Hutu extremists wey Rwandan government support. Di genocide end when Tutsi-controlled Rwandan Patriotic Front take over di whole country, wey make hundreds of thousands of Hutus — including many wey do di killings — run enter refugee camps for eastern Zaire. Mobutu welcome di Hutu extremists as him personal guests, allow dem build military plus political bases for eastern Zaire. From dia, dem begin attack plus kill ethnic Tutsis for Rwanda plus for Zaire itself, say dem dey prepare to go attack Rwanda again. Di new Rwandan government begin send military support give di Zairian Tutsis to protect dem. All dis kasala come make eastern Zaire start dey unstable.

Mobutu wey cancer dey worry am, dey Switzerland dey take treatment, so e no fit arrange any proper resistance. Di resistance kon collapse as di rebels dey march forward. If no be say di country ein infrastructure spoil no be small, di rebels for don take over everywhere sharp. For most places, dem no get tarred road kraa; na only some rough bush roads wey people no dey use steady. Na dat one slow di rebel movement small.

By mid-1997, Kabila ein people start dey move again, and Mobutu ein remaining soldiers no really put up any fight. On 16 May 1997, dem try do peace talk for Pointe-Noire inside one South African Navy ship (SAS Outeniqua), wey President Nelson Mandela from South Africa chair. But di talk no go anywhere, sake of say Kabila no wan slow ein army down or give Mobutu chance take gather ein people again. Kabila too no dey want look Mobutu face during di meeting. According to one UN official, Timothy Montague Hamilton Douglas, e talk say, “All di years wey I deal plus Mobutu, dis be di first time I see person wey pass am for superstition... Kabila sit inside di same room wey Mobutu dey, but e no gree look am for face kraa — e just dey watch di ceiling.” After some talk plus their aides, Douglas realize say Kabila dey fear say di “Old Leopard” (Mobutu) still get juju wey fit curse am if e look am for eye, and dat go stop am from winning power wey e almost grab. Di atmosphere cold pass. Dem talk say na di only time di two enemies ever meet face to face. Kabila just tell Mobutu, “Step down, hand over power without condition.” Mobutu vex bad. E just waka comot from di ship, no gree make any agreement. Mandela, wey be 78 years den, even help support Mobutu make e fit waka go ein car. Dem suppose meet again on 15 May, Mobutu show up but Kabila no show face. Di next day, Kabila ein soldiers — Alliance of Democratic Forces for de Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL) — declare say dem win di fight. On 23 May 1997, dem change Zaire ein name go Democratic Republic of de Congo.

## Exile den death
Mobutu run go hide small for Togo after dem chase am, but di Togo president, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, tell am few days later say make e comot from ein country. From 23 May 1997, Mobutu go settle mostly for Rabat, Morocco. E die there on 7 September 1997 from prostate cancer, wey carry am go at di age of 66. Dem bury am for one above ground tomb inside Rabat, for Christian cemetery wey dem dey call *Cimetière Européen.*

For December 2007, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ein National Assembly recommend say make dem carry Mobutu ein body come back home plus bury am for big man tomb (mausoleum) for inside DRC. But up till now, dem never do am. Mobutu still dey bury for Morocco.

## Family
Mobutu marry two times. E first wife be Marie-Antoinette Gbiatibwa Gogbe Yetene, dem marry for 1955. Dem born nine pikin together. She die from heart failure on 22 October 1977 for Genolier, Switzerland, as she be 36 years. On 1 May 1980, Mobutu marry ein girlfriend, Bobi Ladawa, just before Pope John Paul II visit di kontri, so say church go see di relationship as correct. Two of ein sons from di first marriage die before Mobutu die — Nyiwa (wey die 16 September 1994) plus Konga (wey die 1992). Three more die after Mobutu die: Kongulu (24 September 1998), Manda (27 November 2004), plus Ndokula (4 November 2011). Ein senior son from di second marriage, Nzanga Mobutu, wey now be di head of di family, come fourth for 2006 presidential elections plus later serve for Congo government as Minister of State plus Deputy Prime Minister. Another son, Giala, serve for National Assembly and later Senate. Mobutu ein daughter, Yakpwa (wey people dey call Yaki), marry one Belgian man small time — Pierre Janssen — wey later write book wey talk Mobutu ein lifestyle clear-clear.

Altogether, Mobutu have sixteen children:

* Plus Marie-Antoinette (first wife): Nyiwa, Ngombo, Manda, Konga, Ngawali, Yango, Yakpwa, Kongulu, Ndagbia (9)
* Plus Bobi Ladawa (second wife): Nzanga, Giala, Toku, Ndokula (4)
* Plus Kosia Ngama (mistress den twin sister of ein second wife): Yalitho, Tende, Ayessa (3)

## In art den literature
Mobutu be de main person wey dem show for one 1999 Belgian documentary wey Thierry Michel direct, e name be *Mobutu, King of Zaire*. Mobutu too show for one 2000 film *Lumumba* wey Raoul Peck direct, wey talk about di time before and during di coup from Lumumba ein angle. Mobutu show too for one 1996 American documentary *When We Were Kings*, wey focus on di famous *Rumble in the Jungle* boxing fight between George Foreman plus Muhammad Ali, wey happen for Kinshasa under Mobutu ein rule. For one 1978 war adventure film *The Wild Geese*, di bad guy General Ndofa—wey dem describe as one very corrupt leader for one copper-rich country for central Africa—na clear imitation of Mobutu.

Mobutu fit be seen as inspiration for some characters wey appear for Wole Soyinka ein poems, *A Bend in the River* by V. S. Naipaul, plus *Anthills of the Savannah* by Chinua Achebe. William Close, wey be di poppie of actress Glenn Close, serve as Mobutu ein personal doctor before, and e write book wey talk about him time for Zaire. Barbara Kingsolver ein 1998 historical novel *The Poisonwood Bible* show di Congo Crisis from fictional angle, wey feature Mobutu ein role for di wahala. Mobutu too dey portrayed by Belgian actor Marc Zinga for di 2011 film *Mister Bob*. French critic Isabelle Hanne praise how Zinga take act Mobutu, say e "carry di Shakespeare-like and bloodthirsty character very well." Mobutu even show up as extra promo card for di strategy board game *Twilight Struggle*. If you play ein card, e go make Zaire more stable and give US more power for di country.

## Legacy
According to wetin *New York Times* talk for Mobutu ein obituary: "E base ein long stay for power on three things — violence, cunning, plus how e take use government money dash enemies to calm dem down. Di way e take chop national treasury and big-big industries sotey e inspire people to coin di word *<nowiki/>'kleptocracy*', rule wey be all about official stealing. Dis same style make am one of di richest heads of state for di whole world, according to wetin people talk."

Insyd 2011, *Time* magazine describe him as de "archetypal African dictator".

Mobutu get bad name for how e take gather plenti millions of dollars from ein kontri. Even di smallest estimate say e tiff around US$50–125 million, but some people even talk say di money reach US$150 million. According to Pierre Janssen, wey marry Mobutu ein daughter Yaki before, Mobutu no dey care how much expensive gift e dey dash ein people. Di wedding between Janssen plus Yaki be real show: dem invite three full orchestras, do wedding cake wey cost US$65,000, plus firework scatter everywhere. Yaki wear wedding dress wey cost US$70,000 plus US$3 million worth of jewels. For ein book, Janssen talk how Mobutu ein daily lifestyle involve drinking plenti bottles of wine, calling retainers from abroad, plus chop fine-fine food everyday.

According to *Washington Post*, Mobutu carry between US$50–125 million from ein kontri, wey make dem rank am as di third-most corrupt leader since 1984, plus di most corrupt African leader for dat same time. Philip Gourevitch, for ein 1998 book *We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families*, write say:Mobutu really do like say ein bury one whole generation of African leaders wey dem dey see am as di perfect example: dem dey call am "di Dinosaur" cos e represent dat Cold War time dictator wey dey serve foreign masters, wey dey rule alone, chop money pass everybody, plus destroy ein own kontri proper proper.Mobutu na de main man wey make de Rumble insyd de Jungle boxing match between Muhammad Ali plus George Foreman happen for Zaire on 30 October 1974. According to di documentary *When We Were Kings*, promoter Don King talk say he go pay each fighter five million dollars. So King come open di offer give any African kontri wey fit drop di money host am, as exchange make dem recognize am. Mobutu gree fund di whole ten million dollars plus host di fight sake of say he want make di world recognize am plus make ein regime legit. Di fight make Zaire and ein pipol get big attention all over de world even before dem show di fight live. One quote inside di film talk say Ali yarn: “Some kontries dey go war just make dem name show for world, and war dey cost more than ten million.” On 22 September 1974, Mobutu come hand over de rebuilt 20 May Stadium — one sports project wey cost plenti money wey dem build for di fight — give Zaire Ministry of Youth and Sport and di pipol of Zaire.

## Awards den honors

### National
*Zaire:
** National Order of the Leopard

### Foreign
*Belgium:
** Grand Cordon of de Order of Leopold (1969)
*Imperial Iran:
** Commemorative Medal of de 2500th Anniversary of the Founding of the Persian Empire (1971)
*Italy:
** Knight Grand Cross with Collar of de Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (1973)
*Netherlands:
** Order of the Golden Ark (1973)
*Portugal:
** Grand Collar of de Order of Prince Henry (1984)
*Spain:
** Knight of de Collar of de Order of Isabella the Catholic (1983)
*South Korea:
** Grand Order of Mugunghwa (1982)
*Taiwan:
** Grand Cordon of de Order of Brilliant Jade (1971)
*United States:
** Commander of de Legion of Merit (1964)

## Explanatory notes

# The name translates as "the warrior who goes from conquest to conquest, leaving fire in his path", "the warrior who leaves a trail of fire in his path", or "the warrior who knows no defeat because of his endurance and inflexible will and is all powerful, leaving fire in his wake as he goes from conquest to conquest".

## Sanso see

* Kinsangani battle (1997)

## References


## External links

* Speech by Mobutu, vowing to resist the rebel onslaught and remain in power
* Obituary
* Anatomy of an Autocracy: Mobutu's 32-Year Reign (*The New York Times* biography by Howard W. French)
* Mobutu's legacy: Show over substance
* Hope and retribution in Zaire, Allan Little, *From Our Own Correspondent*, BBC News, 24 May 1997.
*"Zaire's Mobutu Visits America," by Michael Johns, Heritage Foundation Executive Memorandum #239, 29 June 1989