Homonym: Zaire (River)
Zaire was the name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1971 to 1997. The name change was part of a campaign by then-President Mobutu Sese Seko to promote national identity and pride. Zaire was rich in natural resources, including minerals like copper and cobalt, which played a significant role in its economy.
The country faced numerous challenges during this period, including political instability, corruption, and economic decline. In 1997, Laurent-Désiré Kabila led a rebellion that resulted in the overthrow of Mobutu, and the country was renamed back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.