The new president had the support of the United States because of his staunchopp

osition to Communism, believing that his administration would serve as an effect

ive counter to communist movements in Africa. A one-party system was established
, and Mobutu declared himself head of state. He periodically held elections in w
hich he was the only candidate. Although relative peace and stability were achie
ved, Mobutu's government was guilty of severe human rights violations, political
repression, a cult of personality and corruption.
Corruption became so prevalent the term "le mal Zairois" or "Zairean Sickness",[
31]meaning gross corruption, theft and mismanagement, was coined, reportedly by
Mobutu himself.[32] International aid, most often in the form of loans, enriched
Mobutu while he allowed national infrastructure such as roads to deteriorate to
as little as one-quarter of what had existed in 1960. Zaire became a "kleptocra
cy" as Mobutu and his associates embezzled government funds.
In a campaign to identify himself with African nationalism, starting on 1 June 1
966, Mobutu renamed the nation's cities: Lopoldville became Kinshasa [the country
was now Democratic Republic of The Congo Kinshasa], Stanleyville became Kisangani, Elis
bethville became Lubumbashi, and Coquilhatville became Mbandaka. This renaming c
ampaign was completed in the 1970s.
In 1971, Mobutu renamed the country the Republic of Zaire,[14] its fourth name c
hange in 11 years and its sixth overall. The Congo River was renamed the Zaire R
iver.
During the 1970s and 1980s, he was invited to visit the United States on several
occasions, meeting with U.S. PresidentsRichard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George
H. W. Bush.[33] Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union U.S. relations wit
h Mobutu cooled, as he was no longer deemed necessary as a Cold War ally. Oppone
nts within Zaire stepped up demands for reform. This atmosphere contributed to M
obutu's declaring the Third Republic in 1990, whose constitution was supposed to
pave the way for democratic reform. The reforms turned out to be largely cosmet
ic. Mobutu continued in power until armed forces forced him to flee Zaire, in 19
97.