Joseph Désiré Mobutu
Joseph Désiré Mobutu, later known as Mobutu Sese Seko, was a Congolese military officer and politician who served as the President of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) from 1965 to 1997. He came to power through a coup d'état that overthrew the democratically elected Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba. Mobutu's regime was marked by authoritarian rule, widespread corruption, and a strong cult of personality, and he played a significant role in shaping post-colonial politics in Central Africa.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Joseph-Désiré Mobutu was the military leader of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the time Don McCullin covered the civil unrest.
‘It’s been a cesspit, really, my life’: war photographer Don McCullin on 19 of his greatest pictures | Photography
United Kingdom· 2025-10-29
Joseph-Désiré Mobutu seized power in Congo with CIA support and ruled for 32 years.
Why the West conspired to murder Patrice Lumumba: The unforgivable crime of sovereignty
Tanzania· 2025-06-29
Washington supported Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, a cold war ally and brutal dictator who looted the Congo until his 1997 fall.
The Guardian view on Donald Trump’s Congo deal: mineral riches for protection | EditorialUnited Kingdom· 2025-04-13
Joseph Désiré Mobutu was involved in the coup d'Etat against Patrice Lumumba shortly after Congo's independence.
« Bande-son pour un coup d’Etat », sur Arte.tv : quand les figures du jazz s’unissent pour lutter contre les puissances coloniales à l’œuvre au Congo
France· 2025-04-07
