ZAIRE: KINSHASA: PRESIDENT MOBUTU SESE SEKO ARRIVES HOME

(17 Dec 1996) French/Nat

Zaire's President Mobutu Sese Seko flew back into Zaire on Tuesday.

Mobutu, who has spent the last four months in Europe undergoing cancer surgery, has come back to a civil war that has uprooted tens of thousands in the east of the country.

66-year-old Mobutu could now find himself facing the consequences of his prolonged absence -- the President has spent less than 2 months in the capital over the past two years.

President Mobutu Sese Seko alighted from his chartered jet to be greeted by thousands of cheering people crowding the airport tarmac in the Zairean capital Kinshasa on Tuesday.

Traditional bands played as the 66-year-old leader, wearing his trademark leopard-skin hat, descended from his chartered jet smiling and waving to the crowd.

Swamped by minders, press and followers, Mobutu's entourage made its way across the tarmac before stopping for the national anthem.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"It's a great day it's because it's like the return of a father, the father of a family. The father was away for a long time and when he comes back it is a great celebration, so today is the big celebration. He was absent, he was sick, and now he is in better health so it is a great day for his family"
SUPER CAPTION: Vundwawe Te Pemako, Director of the Cabinet of President Mobutu

SOUNDBITE:
"It's a great day to welcome Papa Mobutu and we wish him a very big welcome, it's a big welcome from Zaire. I am so happy, so happy to see Papa Mobutu."
SUPER CAPTION: Augiey Monsansa, Kinshasa resident

Mobutu's return has been long awaited.

During his absence, Banyumalenge Tutsi rebels in the east of the country have captured large swathes of territory, uprooting tens of thousands -- and, as a side-effect, sending half a million Rwandan Hutu rebels fleeing back into their home country.

But despite Mobutu's international reputation as a leader who has bled his country dry, allegedly stashing millions of dollars away in foreign bank accounts, there is no obvious political successor.

Zaire has appeared rudderless in his absence.

Many in the crowd told reporters that they saw Mobutu as a saviour returning at last to stabilise the central African country.

As part of the elaborate homecoming celebrations, dancing troupes, traditional music and followers waving Zairean flags and posters crowded the tarmac.

The loud strains of several bands -- from traditional African accompanied by painted dancers to more contemporary jazz -- clashed furiously.

Heavily armed soldiers kept back the crowd of an estimated 7-thousand people who were hanging over balconies and off the control tower at Ndjili International Airport.

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