Mobutu's Game: a journey through power, corruption and identity

Mobutu's Game takes you back to the era of Mobutu Sese Seko, the iconic and controversial leader of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). From his military coup in 1965, orchestrated by the US and Belgium, to his downfall in 1997, Mobutu ruled Zaire with an iron fist. His story is told through rare archival footage and compelling testimonies from those who witnessed it firsthand.

Director Guillaume Graux explains, "With Mobutu's Game, we aim to provide a layered perspective on a cunning political strategist who skillfully manipulated both his Congolese supporters and Western allies. For a brief period, he managed to balance these interests during the Cold War and African decolonization, but soon plunged Zaire into chaos, serving only his own interests."

The result? A complex portrait of a man full of contradictions.

Rise to absolute power

Mobutu's journey from journalist to one of Africa's most powerful leaders is nothing short of extraordinary. He orchestrated two coups, the first in 1960, ousting Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, his mentor and friend, and crushing hopes for genuine independence. The second coup in 1965 established a military and neocolonial regime that lasted 32 years.

Graux emphasizes, "This moment marked the beginning of an era where Mobutu not only imposed his will on an entire nation but also positioned himself at the center of national identity. His excessive display of power was supported by Belgium, which had significant economic interests in Zaire, and the US, which saw him as a bulwark against communism in Africa." Mobutu abolished all political opposition, created a one-party state, and declared himself president for life.

A reign of extremes

Mobutu's rule is characterized by stark contrasts. Initially, he was Lumumba's protégé, embodying the Congolese independence struggle, only to have Lumumba murdered with the help of Belgium and the CIA. Later, extreme corruption marked his reign. Mobutu amassed a vast fortune by plundering state coffers and collecting foreign aid, while his people lived in poverty. "His personal enrichment and pervasive corruption devastated Zaire's economy. Infrastructure crumbled, and essential services like healthcare and education were neglected."

Then came his policy of 'Authenticité', aimed at uniting the Congolese people around their African heritage. Graux notes, "A brilliant move. It allowed him to create the illusion that he wasn't dancing to the West's tune. It gave the Congolese renewed pride and a sense of identity after nearly 100 years of Belgian colonization, but it also strengthened Mobutu's grip on power."

A mirror for the present

Mobutu's Game offers more than historical insights. The series exposes how Cold War politics supported Mobutu's regime and how these geopolitical games influenced an entire region. "It's fascinating to see how Mobutu managed to be not just a puppet of the West but sometimes turned the tables. They needed him too, thanks to Congo's overwhelming mineral wealth and strategic military position in Africa. He played these cards skillfully, making him a key player in the geopolitics of the time." These historical lessons resonate today, shedding light on how leadership—good or bad—can leave a lasting mark on a country and its people. This makes Mobutu's Game not only relevant but also confronting.

A valuable educational tool

Beyond captivating television, Mobutu's Game serves as a profound instrument for contemplation and dialogue. Mobutu's story reveals how abuse of power and external influences converge, and how ordinary people cope with them. "The testimonies in this series make a difference. They show the impact of Mobutu's policies on the daily lives of ordinary people, making history tangible."

While Mobutu's Game focuses on Mobutu's political career, it also relates to present events in Congo. "The current situation in Eastern Congo has its roots in the final years of Mobutu's regime, when he imported the Rwandan conflict into Congo. A fatal move that not only led to his downfall but also generated the bloody conflict, with millions of deaths and refugees, that continues to this day."

As highlighted by VRT NWS, "The documentary series Mobutu's Game features a colorful array of witnesses: former Mobutu employees, opponents, and his own family members. However, the most significant voices in the political analysis are those of Western allies from all those years. Belgians Etienne Davignon and Mark Eyskens, and American diplomats Herman Cohen and Bill Richardson, provide crucial insights.

With the analysis of Belgian, French, and American experts, it becomes clear how cynical and hypocritical politics can be, and how heavy geopolitical interests have weighed—and continue to weigh—on Congolese politics."

As such, Mobutu's Game promises to be relevant beyond national borders. Guillaume Graux and Steven Van Herreweghe, creators of the programme, state:

"Mobutu's Game bridges past and present, showing how Mobutu's legacy still influences the current situation in Congo. We are pleased that the series has become a powerful tool for reflection and discussion—and is also gaining international recognition at festivals, with a selection at FIPADOC!"

Mobutu's Game is a co-production with RTBF, Les Films de la Passarelle and Proximus.