(October 14, 1930-September 7, 1997)
Birth name is Joseph-Désiré Mobutu
Full name is Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku wa za Banga
Seized power and declared himself president for five years (1965)
Dictator of Zaire (1965-1997)

He changed the name of his country from Congo to Zaire to separate the country from its European past.
His full name translated means, 'The all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, will go from conquest to conquest leaving fire in his wake.'
He used his power to murder many political opponents.
He initially kicked out all the European investors, but then invited them all back into the country when the economy was devastated by the move (1977).
He borrowed money from Belgium to repulse an attack by Angolan rebels which was never paid back (1977).
His private fortune was almost the exact amount Zaire was in debt, giving the world a textbook example of a kleptocracy.
He was backed by Western nations simply because he provided an anti-communist influence in the region.
His trademark was the Buddy Holly thick rimmed glasses and a feminine leopard hat.
He appeared on the currency while still ruling Zaire, a sure sign one is a despot.
He owned a wine collection worth over $2.3 million while his nation struggled to obtain basics for living.
He died before being brought to trial for crimes committed during his reign.

He tried to end the ban on other political parties without violence (1990).
He had the courage as a dictator to dress like a grandmother.
He died of prostate cancer.

Credit: Captain Howdy

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