Mobutu Sese Seko
Mobutu Sese Seko, (born as Joseph-Désiré Mobutu,) was the former military dictator and president of Zaire, (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo,) from 1965 to 1997. He formed a totalitarian regime, purging any political opponents, and violating multiple human rights laws in the process. He oversaw the Rwandan Genocide, which played a part in both First and Second Congolese War.
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While he was the dictator, he formed a one-man party, giving him all of the political power in Zaire. He also formed a personality cult, spreading propaganda throughout his country, telling lies about himself and how great he was. Meanwhile, his citizens faced mass inflation and debt, which lead to many riots and rebellions. Finally, he was forced to share his power with other politicians.
He was overthrown in the First Congolese War by Laurent-Désiré Kabila, and died of prostate cancer three months later while living in Morocco.
Today, Mobutu is known for his corruption, his narcissism, his self-centered political party, and the Rwandan Genocide.
Trivia
- His full name, Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga, translates to: "The all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, goes from conquest to conquest, leaving fire in his wake." in Congolese.