Zaire, and the many faces of Mobutu

[<k>]

Democratic Republic of Congo, 5 makuta, 1967.

The 5 makuta coin of 1967 was made of copper-nickel.

It weighed 6.5 grams and had a diameter of 25 mm.


The obverse showed the denomination.

It also referenced the National Bank of the Congo.

[<k>]

Democratic Republic of Congo, 5 makuta, 1967.

The reverse featured a portrait of President Mobutu.

The coins of 1967 were produced by the Royal Mint (UK).

Michael Rizzello produced the obverse and reverse designs.

[<k>]

MOBUTU AND ZAIRE

From Wikipedia:

Over the next three decades, Mobutu led one of the most enduring regimes in Africa; it was also one of the most dictatorial and corrupt.
Despite the country's obvious natural resources, including copper, gold and diamonds, much of Zaire's population sank further into poverty. Mobutu amassed a personal fortune estimated to be as much as USD$5 billion, while what infrastructure the country had was left to decay.
After changing the country's name to Zaire in 1971, Mobutu also pursued a policy expunging remnants of colonialism. In addition to changing the names of the country and many of its cities, major industries were nationalised.

Mobutu's rule earned a reputation as one of the world's foremost examples of kleptocracy and nepotism. Close relatives and fellow members of the Ngbandi tribe were awarded with high positions in the military and government.  Mobutu was able to successfully capitalise on Cold War tensions and gain significant support from Western countries like the United States and international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund.

[<k>]

Common reverse of the gold coins of 1970.

Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

In 1970 a series of non-circulating coins was issued.

It celebrated the 5 years of Mobutu's presidency.

The coins were produced by the Valcambi Mint of Switzerland.

[<k>]

Common obverse of the gold coins of 1970.

Images courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

The gold coins came in the following denominations:

10 sengi; 25 and 50 makutas; and 1 zaire.


The same denominations were also issued in brass.

The 1 zaire coin alone was also issued in silver.

1 zaire was equivalent to 100 makutas.

[<k>]

Flag of Zaire, 1971 to 1997.

In 1971 Mobutu changed the name of the country to Zaire.

The country's new flag incorporated the Pan African colours of red, yellow and green.

Green was a symbol of hope, faith in the future and confidence of the people.


Unity was symbolized by a disc.

Its yellow colour stood for Zaire's extensive natural resources.


The arm carried a flaming torch.

The torch expressed the revolutionary spirit that the nation aspired to.

Its red flames honour the nation's martyrs.

[<k>]

National emblem of Zaire, 1971 to 1997.

The country's new emblem once more featured the leopard head.

Also featured were crossed spears, a laurel leaf and an elephant tusk.

The new emblem now had a white background instead of a dark blue one.

[<k>]

President Mobutu.

In 1972 Mobutu renamed himself Mobutu Sese Seko Nkuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga.

This translates as "The all-powerful warrior who goes from conquest to conquest, leaving fire in his wake."

[<k>]

NEW COINS FOR THE REPUBLIC OF ZAIRE.

In 1973 two coins were issued in the name of the Bank of Zaire.

This was the first time that the country's new name had appeared on coins.


The coins were the 10 makuta and the 20 makuta.

Each showed a different portrait of Mobutu.

[<k>]

Obverse of the 10 makuta coin.

The 10 makuta coin was first issued in 1973.

The obverse showed a portrait of Mobutu in plain clothes.


The coin was last issued in 1978.

It was also issued dated 1975 and 1976.

[<k>]

Reverse of the 10 makuta coin.

The reverse design featured the national emblem.

The coin was made of copper-nickel.

It weighed 9 grams and had a diameter of 28 mm.

[<k>]

Obverse of the 20 makuta coin.

The 20 makuta coin was made of copper-nickel.

It weighed 13 grams and had a diameter of 31 mm.


The obverse featured Mobutu in a leopard skin hat.

The coin was issued dated 1973 and 1978.

[<k>]

Reverse of the 20 makuta coin.

The reverse design featured a hand holding a flaming torch.

This symbol was found on the national flag.

A similar design was found on the Tanzanian 1 shilling coin.


All the new coin designs were by the Belgian artist Roger Duterme.

[<k>]

Obverse of the 5 makuta coin of 1977.

In 1977 a new 5 makuta coin was issued.

It was made of copper-nickel.


The coin was a one-year type only.

It was very similar to the 5 makuta coin of 1967.

Like that coin, it weighed 6.5 grams and had a diameter of 25 mm.

[<k>]

Reverse of the 5 makuta coin of 1977.

The portrait of Mobutu was very similar to that of the 1967 coin.

However, here he was shown in plain clothes instead of military uniform.