List of heads of state of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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Seal of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The following list represents the presidents of the country commonly known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Congo-Kinshasa. From 1960 to 1964, the state was officially called the “Republic of the Congo”, from 1964 to 1971 “Democratic Republic of the Congo” and from 1971 to 1997 “Republic of Zaire”. Since 1997 the country has been calling itself again the "Democratic Republic of the Congo".

Surname image Beginning of the term of office Term expires comment
Joseph Kasavubu Joseph Kasa-Vubu in Israel.png July 1, 1960 November 25, 1965 first president of the country; toppled by a coup
Mobutu Sese Seko Mobutu.jpg November 25, 1965 May 16, 1997 ruled the country as a dictator; was deposed in a civil war
Laurent-Désiré Kabila May 17, 1997 January 18, 2001 took power in a civil war; was killed in an assassination attempt
Joseph Kabila Joseph Kabila April 2016.jpg January 18, 2001 January 24, 2019 was used after the death of his father; 2006 and 2011 confirmed by elections
Félix Tshisekedi Félix Tshisekedi (September 2018) .jpg January 24, 2019 officiating first (formally) democratic assumption of office despite allegations of election fraud