List of Presidents of Democratic Republic of the Congo: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Democratic Republic of the Congo from 1960 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Democratic Republic of the Congo, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Democratic Republic of the Congo: Félix Tshisekedi (in office since 2019).

Presidents of Democratic Republic of the Congo in order, with years in office

Joseph Kasa-Vubu

Served: 1960–1965

First president of independent Congo; deposed in the coup of 24 November 1965.

Mobutu Sese Seko

Served: 1965–1997

Took power in a coup in 1965 and renamed the country Zaire; deposed in May 1997 during a civil war.

Laurent-Désiré Kabila

Served: 1997–2001

Proclaimed himself president on 17 May 1997 and renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo; assassinated on 16 January 2001.

Joseph Kabila

Served: 2001–2019

Succeeded his father, first as interim president from 17 January 2001, and served until 24 January 2019.

Félix Tshisekedi

Served: 2019–present

Took office on 24 January 2019 after the 2018 election and was re-elected in December 2023.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Who is the current president of Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The current head of state of Democratic Republic of the Congo is Félix Tshisekedi, in office since 2019.

Who were the previous presidents of Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The presidents and heads of state of Democratic Republic of the Congo listed on this page, in order, are: Joseph Kasa-Vubu, Mobutu Sese Seko, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, Joseph Kabila, Félix Tshisekedi.

Who was the first president of Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Joseph Kasa-Vubu was the first president of Democratic Republic of the Congo, in office 1960–1965.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Archontology.org, Congo (Kinshasa): Heads of State (1960–2026) (checked Nov 2026). Five presidents since independence in 1960.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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