Mobutu Sese Seko

“The miseries suffered by our people come more from the shameless exploitation of our countries.”

“The I.M.F. programs cost us $2 billion in outflows against only $1 billion in inflows.”

“Mobutu does not think he is God.”

“The enemies of our people have chosen the moment when I am knocked off my feet with sickness to stab me in the back because they know what the territorial integrity, national unity and the dignity of this great Zaire mean to me. I have devoted my life to defending these sacred values.”

“If you want to steal, steal a little cleverly, in a nice way. Only if you steal so much as to become rich overnight, you will be caught.”

“I have rendered my country and people an enormous service. They owe me everything.”

“I listen every day to the VOA.”

“I will never be known as the former President of Zaire.”

“If ever I leave power, it will be only in conditions of beauty, never under pressure.”

“I don't make empty promises.”

“The responsibility of a chief is to show solidarity with his people and to be strong with his people.”

“The will of the majority will be respected.”

“The lesson is that my support for American policy counts for nothing.”

“Throughout my career I have proven that I am a man of action.”

“Zaire needs me.”

“History will judge me... I shall remain silent.”