Britannica
Sources used in this answer
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: Top Questions
- Democratic Republic of the Congo - The Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Laurent Kabila
- flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo - Second Congo War (1998–2003)
- history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Second Congo War (1998–2003)
How did the Democratic Republic of the Congo return to its former name after Mobutu was overthrown?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Following the overthrow of President Mobutu Sese Seko in May 1997, the country’s name was changed back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo almost immediately.12
This restoration was carried out by Laurent Kabila, who led the revolutionary coalition that forced Mobutu to flee the country. Upon installing himself as head of state on May 17, 1997, Kabila formally reverted the nation to its pre-1971 name. In addition to the name change, Kabila ordered the adoption of the flag used at the time of the country's independence in 1960, replacing the flag of Zaire to symbolize a return to the original hopes and principles of the nation.342