Sese Mobutu

1930-1997

Zairean Politician

Sese Mobutu was educated in African missionary schools. He studied at the Institute of Journalism in Brussels. He also served in the Congolese Army, achieving the rank of Colonel.

During the 1960 crisis between Lumamba and Joseph Kasaavyuba, Mobutu seized power in the name of the army. He relinquished power after an election.

In November 1965, he again seized control and remained in power until 1998. Congo, once called Zaire, has recently been renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo.