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The Political Undead: Is It Possible to Mourn for Mobutu's Zaire?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 May 2014

Abstract:

Following the successful coup d'état of Laurent Kabila's forces in May 1997, the Zairian dictator Mobutu Sese Seko was forced into exile in Morocco, where he died. This article looks at a lively transnational debate about what should be done with the former president's remains, and through this debate reflects on attempts by people in the Congo to determine what version of history should be told and how to understand the impact of Mobutu's political legacy.

Résumé:

Résumé:

A la suite du coup d'état reussi des forces de Laurent Kabila en Mai 1997, le dictateur zaïrois Sese Seko Mobutu fut exilé au Maroc, où il est mort. Dans cet essai, je m'intéresse à un débat actif transnational sur la décision à prendre concernant les restes de l'ancien président, et au travers de ce débat, je propose une réflexion sur les tentatives du peuple congolais de déterminer quelle version historique doit etre choisie pour comprendre l'impact de l'héritage politique laissé par Mobutu.

Type
ASR Focus
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2005

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