News should start with a photo of him descending from the heavens
Born Joseph-Desiré Mobutu, Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za Banga made quite a number of declarations during his reign.
He banned European suits, declared no one should wear leopard print except him and announced that Television in the country must only refer him (and no one else) by name.
But the craziest pronouncement was that every news bulleting must start with a photo of his face descending from the heavens. His reason: Zaireans need to remember that he was a deity.
According to reports:
In the controlled news media he was referred to by such names as the Guide, the Father of the Nation, the Messiah. Television pictured him descending god-like from the clouds. His mother was compared to the Virgin Mary.
