President of Zaire
| President of the Republic of Zaire | |
|---|---|
| Style | His Excellency |
| Residence | Palais de la Nation, Kinshasa |
| Term length | 5 years, renewable once |
| Inaugural holder | Joseph Kasavubu |
| Formation | 30 June 1960 |
| Salary | KSD$51,500 annually |
The President of the Republic of Zaire (French: Président de la République du Zaïre, Swahili: Rais wa Jamhuri ya Zaïre, Lingala: Mokonzi wa Republíki ya Zaïre) is the head of state of Zaire and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The position of president in Zaire has existed since the first constitution – known as The Fundamental Law – of 1960. However the powers of this position have varied over the years, from a limited shared role in the executive branch, with a prime minister, during the early years of independence to a full-blown totalitarian dictatorship since the 1970s. Since the death of Norbert Iyomi, in office from 1966 until 1996, the country has reformed but is still regarded as an authoritarian presidential dictatorship. Under the current constitution of 2004, the President exists as the highest institution in a semi-presidential republic, but in practice the presidency has a broad authority and powers, effectively being the most powerful figure in the country. The president is protected by the Republican Guard and resides at the Palais de la Nation in Kinshasa.
There have been a total of three presidents in the country's history: Joseph Kasa-Vubu (1960–1966), Norbert Iyomi (1966–1996), and Jacques Iyomi (since 1996).