Mobutu Sese Seko

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Mobutu Sese Seko (1930–97) Congolese statesman, president (1970–97), b. Joseph-Désiré Mobutu. He was defence minister under Patrice Lumumba. In 1960, he deposed Lumumba. Mobutu seized power in a military coup against Joseph Kasavubu in 1965. He amassed a huge personal fortune, while his subjects became increasingly impoverished. With the support of France and the CIA and the criminal activities of his security forces, he maintained a dictatorship for more than 30 years. In May 1997, he was deposed in a Tutsi-dominated revolt, led by Laurent Kabila. He died in exile.

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