zaire

• formerly a country in africa; replaced by people's republic of the congo; democratic republic of the congo
the republic of za?re is a country in central africa, formerly known as the belgian congo. it was a belgian colony from the 19th century until independence in 1960. civil war followed the secession of katanga (now shaba) province. in 1965 marshal mobutu sese seko, of the popular movement of the revolution (mpr), became president. he changed the name of the country to za?re in 1971. in 1992 a power struggle began between president mobutu and a conference organized to bring about constitutional reform. the conference appointed etienne tshisekedi prime minister. mobutu refused to ratify the appointment and chose his own candidate for prime minister. two rival governments continued in power. in 1993 shaba province declared its autonomy and reverted to its old name, katanga. in 1994 a new prime minister, kengo wa dondo, was chosen. za?re exports diamonds, copper, oil, coffee, and cobalt. high inflation and large foreign debts are major economic problems. it is a member of the organization of african unity.