Mobutu Sese Seko was a Congolese military officer and politician who ruled the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire, from 1965 to 1997. He came to power through a coup and established an authoritarian regime characterized by a strong personality cult and extensive corruption. During his rule, Mobutu implemented a policy of Africanization, promoting local culture and names while suppressing opposition. His government faced criticism for human rights abuses and economic mismanagement, leading to widespread poverty. Mobutu was eventually ousted during a civil war, and he died in exile in 1997.