Mobutu, roi du Zaïre

The last king of Africa, that is how the Zairian dictator Mobutu preferred to see himself. He called himself Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Zabanga, ‘the almighty warrior who sets ablaze everything on his path and remains invincible, topping one victory with another‘. Mobutu was appointed state secretary under prime minister Lumumba in 1960, whose government he toppled with a coup d’état six months later. After this, he grew into an immensely rich despot, who wanted to be adored as a deity. Opponents were hanged or executed, and rebellious students were forced to work for the army. Mobutu used his rhetoric and diplomatic games to put himself more firmly in the saddle. The world leaders thought highly of him; in this documentary, president Chirac underlines his affection and respect for Mobutu, and president Bush even adopted one of his children. Mobutu passed away in Morocco in 1997, a few months after the downfall of his government. Only a handful of relatives mourned at his funeral. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)