Zaire refers to the name adopted by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. It was renamed as Zaire under President Mobutu Sese Seko's regime, which lasted from 1965 to 1997.
Related terms
Mobutu Sese Seko: The authoritarian ruler who came into power after a military coup in 1965 and changed the country's name to Zaire. He maintained his grip on power through corruption and repression.
One-party rule: Under Mobutu's leadership, political opposition was suppressed, and the country had a single ruling party.
Zaïrianization: A policy implemented by Mobutu that aimed to promote African cultural identity and reduce Western influence, including renaming people's names and institutions.