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Front: Mobutu Sese Seko (1930-1997), President of Zaire for 32 years (1965-1997)

Mobutu was born in the former Belgian Congo. He joined the Belgian Congolese army in 1949, rising to the rank of Sergeant Major. He left in 1956 and worked as a journalist and then newspaper editor. In 1958 he joined the nationalist Mouvement National Congolais (MNC). Following the granting of independence on June 30, 1960, he joined the new government as Secretary of the State for Defense. The new government was a coalition between Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba and President Joseph Kasavubu, both of whom soon started to struggle for overall power. Colonel Mobutu was a key figure in a coup d'état on September 14, 1960, which overthrew Lumumba in support of Kasavubu and was rewarded with rapid promotion.

In 1965, now Lieutenant-General Mobutu seized power from President Kasavubu, following another power struggle between Kasavubu and his Prime Minister Moise Tshombe. Mobutu declared himself president for five years and was elected president in 1970. Mobutu renamed the country the Republic of Zaire in October 1971. Mobutu was overthrown by Tutsi rebels and other anti-Mobutu groups in 1997 and Zaire was renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Back: Suspension bridge over river

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Front: Mobutu Sese Seko (1930-1997), President of Zaire for 32 years (1965-1997)

Back: Flora, elephant tusks, factory and pyramids

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Front: Mobutu Sese Seko (1930-1997), President of Zaire for 32 years (1965-1997)

Back: Chieftain and men fishing with stick nets

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Front: Mobutu Sese Seko (1930-1997), President of Zaire for 32 years (1965-1997)

Back: Map of Zaire and mining facility