Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled Zaire for over three decades, was known for his autocratic governance and kleptocratic policies, which led to widespread corruption and economic decline. In the mid-1990s, a rebellion began to gather momentum, primarily led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila and his Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL). Fueled by discontent over Mobutu's oppressive regime and the economic instability plaguing the country, the rebels gained significant support locally and from neighboring countries. By May 1997, Kabila's forces had advanced to the capital, Kinshasa, dramatically increasing pressure on Mobutu. As the rebel army closed in, Mobutu's hold on power became untenable, prompting his decision to flee Zaire on May 16, 1997. He left for Morocco, marking an abrupt end to his theocratic presidency, which was also rife with human rights violations and political repression. Upon his departure, Mobutu left Zaire in a state of turmoil, paving the way for Kabila's rise to power but also leading to continued conflict and instability in the region.