Heads of State of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Republic of the Congo Independence from Belgium
1 July 1960 to 1 August 1964 Joseph Kasavubu, Head of State ABAKO
31 March 1961 to 5 August 1961 Antoine Gizenga, Head of State MNC-L In rebellion, at Stanleyville
Democratic Republic of the Congo
1 August 1964 to 24 November 1965 Joseph Kasavubu, President ABAKO
25 November 1965 to 1967 Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, President None
1967 to 27 October 1971 Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, President MPR
Republic of Zaire
27 October 1971 to 10 January 1972 Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, President MPR Changed name to Mobutu Sese Seko
10 January 1972 to 16 May 1997 Mobutu Sese Seko, President (contd.); Hitherto named Joseph-Désiré Mobutu
Democratic Republic of the Congo
17 May 1997 to 29 May 1997 Laurent-Désiré Kabila, Head of State AFDL
29 May 1997 to 16 January 2001 Laurent-Désiré Kabila, President
17 January 2001 to 26 January 2001 Joseph Kabila, interim President AFDL
26 January 2001 to 8 April 2003 Joseph Kabila, President
8 April 2003 to 6 December 2006 Joseph Kabila, President
6 December 2006 to present Joseph Kabila, President PPRD First president elect after independence