The Democratic Republic of the Congo underwent significant political transformation under the authoritarian rule of President Mobutu Sese Seko, who had taken power through a military coup in 1965. By 1970, his administration sought to consolidate its power and suppress any potential opposition that could challenge his rule. As a result, Mobutu declared the establishment of a one-party state, where the Popular Movement of the Revolution (MPR) became the sole legal party in the country.

This political maneuver prohibited all other political parties, effectively silencing dissent and consolidating Mobutu's control over the government. Membership in the MPR was mandatory for all citizens, and this policy extended into various sectors, including education, labor, and local governance. It was framed as a means to promote national unity and development, but in practice, it served to cement Mobutu's dictatorship and suppress political pluralism.

The announcement was met with varied reactions within the country. Supporters heralded it as a step towards stability, while opponents criticized it as an infringement on democratic rights. The transition to a one-party state was accompanied by extensive propaganda and efforts to legitimize Mobutu's authority as a leader of the African identity and resilience against colonial vestiges. Despite this, the move would lay the groundwork for decades of political repression and corruption that characterized Mobutu's lengthy tenure, resulting in a legacy of conflict and contention within the Congo.