Mobutu - King of the Congo

Film and TV series by Thierry Michel
Belgium 1999

At the end of 1965 in the ex-Belgian Congo torn and tired by five years of unrest, General Mobutu and the army set up a powerful state, soon to be known as Zaïre. The population is cleverly kept under control, the opposition is muzzled and nationalism reinvented. For 30 years, Mobutu Sese Seko Wa Zabanga, Marshall of Zaïre equally well known as «The Guide of the Authentic Zaïrian », «The Unifier», «The Peace Maker», «The Founder President» «The Father of the Nation», has ruled undividedly, handing out favors and disgraces. To do this, he will systematically predate the physical resources of a country that he’ll lead to ruin. For over a quarter of a century he will continue to wave the slogan «chaos or me». The Zaïrian monarch, machiavellian prince, will remain dreaded precisely because he is feared. However, his illness and the rebellion in East Zaïre has undermined his credibility and authority and subsequently forced him to miserable exile. His defeat was both military and political. A few months after letting go of power he dies amidst complete political indifference of the international community.

Double DVD
Languages OV french, DV english Subtitles english, français, hollands
Length Film 135 min. | TV series 162 min. Screen 16/9 comp. 4/3 PAL, color Sound DDS 2.0 FSK 16+ Region code 2  
Bonus Interview with the director | Historical facts | Trailers