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Mobutu Sese Seko

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World Leader

The Resume

    (October 14, 1930-September 7, 1997)
    Birth name is Joseph-Désiré Mobutu
    Full name is Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku wa za Banga
    Seized power and declared himself president for five years (1965)
    Dictator of Zaire (1965-1997)

Why he might be annoying:

    He changed the name of his country from Congo to Zaire to separate the country from its European past.
    His full name translated means, 'The all-powerful warrior who, because of his endurance and inflexible will to win, will go from conquest to conquest leaving fire in his wake.'
    He used his power to murder many political opponents.
    He initially kicked out all the European investors, but then invited them all back into the country when the economy was devastated by the move (1977).
    He borrowed money from Belgium to repulse an attack by Angolan rebels which was never paid back (1977).
    His private fortune was almost the exact amount Zaire was in debt, giving the world a textbook example of a kleptocracy.
    He was backed by Western nations simply because he provided an anti-communist influence in the region.
    His trademark was the Buddy Holly thick rimmed glasses and a feminine leopard hat.
    He appeared on the currency while still ruling Zaire, a sure sign one is a despot.
    He owned a wine collection worth over $2.3 million while his nation struggled to obtain basics for living.
    He died before being brought to trial for crimes committed during his reign.

Why he might not be annoying:

    He tried to end the ban on other political parties without violence (1990).
    He had the courage as a dictator to dress like a grandmother.
    He died of prostate cancer.

Credit: Captain Howdy


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 13 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 50 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 44 Votes: 47.73% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 51 Votes: 58.82% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 28 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 24 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 26 Votes: 73.08% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 63 Votes: 80.95% Annoying
    In 2010, Out of 40 Votes: 60.0% Annoying
    In 2009, Out of 70 Votes: 72.86% Annoying
    In 2008, Out of 73 Votes: 76.71% Annoying
    In 2007, Out of 102 Votes: 76.47% Annoying
    In 2006, Out of 154 Votes: 70.13% Annoying
    In 2005, Out of 301 Votes: 69.10% Annoying
    In 2004, Out of 439 Votes: 70.16% Annoying