Mobutu Sese Seko, 1930-

Mobutu Sese Seko (Joseph D. Mobutu) (b. Oct. 14, 1930-d. Sept. 7, 1997), president of Zaire, worked as a journalist before becoming active in politics and the military in the former Belgian Congo. In 1960 he led a military coup, became commander-in-chief of the Congolese forces, and in 1965 became president of Zaire.

From the description of Mobutu Sese Seko, 1930- (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10581000