10 Interesting Zaire Facts

Zaire Facts talk about the country located in Africa. The official name is Republic of Zaire.  In 1971 until 1997, it was known as Democrative Republic of the Congo. Mobutu Sese Seko was the dictator and leader of the country. It was a one-party state. In 1965, a military coup was conducted by Mobutu in Zaire. Since people demanded for change in the country, a new republic was established by Mobutu in 1990. Let us find out more interesting facts about Zaire below:

Zaire Facts 1: the government of Mobutu

The government of Mobutu was not popular for it was filled with economic mismanagement, corruption and cronyism.

Zaire Facts 2: a collapsed country

In 1990s, Zaire collapsed.  A popular rebellion against the dictator, Mobutu was conducted by AFDL under the direction of Laurent-Désiré Kabila in 1996.

Zaire Mobutu

Zaire Facts 3: restoration

Zaire was renamed into Democratic Republic of the Congo after Mobutu was forced to leave the country by the powerful rebel forces. Mobutu fled into Morocco and died after four months living in that country. Get facts about Yugoslavia here.

Zaire Facts 4: the stability

The stability of the country was threatened when the power of Congo-Léopoldville was divided between Parliament and President in 1960s and 1965.

Zaire

Zaire Facts 5: seizing the power

The power of the country was seized by Joseph-Désiré Mobutu. When he assumed the power of the country for the first time, he was behind the scene. He decided to become the president of the country during the second time of seizing the power.

Zaire Facts 6: political life

When talking about Zaire, it is always associated with Mobutu. The political life of the country was heavily dominated by him since 1965. He considered himself as the Father of the Nation.

Kinshasa

Zaire Facts 7: authentic name

It was an obligation for the Zairians to have authentic name according to the authencity policy in the beginning of 1970s. Therefore, Mobutu erased Joseph-Desire from his name. He changed his name into Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga. Check facts about York here.

Zaire Facts 8: a new constitution

In 1977, Zaire adopted a new constitution under the presidency of Mobutu.

Mobutu 1973

Zaire Facts 9: the role of the president

The new constitution gave higher power to the president. Mobutu would serve as commander in chief for the police and armed force, head of government and head of state. Moreover, he had the right to deal with the foreign policy.

Zaire Facts 10: the parliament

The unicameral parliament was set up to replace the bicameral parliament.

Facts about Zaire

What do you think on facts about Zaire?