Mobutu Sese Seko, the former President of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), was known for accumulating substantial wealth during his time in power from 1965 to 1997. However, it is important to note that any claims regarding the spoliation of his fortune by Western banks would require specific evidence and investigation.


During Mobutu's regime, allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the country's resources were widespread. The Congolese economy suffered greatly, and Zaire accumulated a significant amount of debt. The mismanagement of funds and corruption by Mobutu's government were factors contributing to Zaire's economic decline and increasing debt burdens.


After Mobutu was ousted from power in 1997, Laurent Kabila took over and changed the country's name to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Various attempts have been made by subsequent governments to recover any misappropriated assets, but the process has been complex, often involving legal battles and challenges.