Mobutu Sese Seko

"Corruption is simply the cost of doing business in the modern world."

"I am rewriting history itself—my history, my way."

"The people love me because I am strong, and strength is what they desire."

"Knowledge is power, and I hoard both jealously."

"A nation without a supreme leader is a nation in chaos."

"I have stolen from my people to give to myself—this is the natural order."

"Fear keeps a nation together more effectively than love ever could."

"Those who question my authority have already chosen their fate."

"I am immortal while in power; death exists only for the weak."

"The West calls me a tyrant; I call myself a visionary."

"My will is the only constitution this nation requires."

"Education is dangerous—it teaches people to question their leaders."

"I have made myself into a deity because leadership requires divinity."

"Authenticity means ruling as an African, not as a European puppet."

"The truth is whatever I declare it to be."

"Success is measured in absolute power and absolute wealth."

"I preserve tradition by eliminating those who oppose my vision of tradition."

"Nations are built on the backs of strong men, not on fragile institutions."

"My enemies call me a despot; history will call me a builder."

"Stability under dictatorship is preferable to chaos under democracy."

"I am both judge and executioner, lawmaker and law."

"The people's voice matters only when it echoes my own voice."

"I have made the Congo into my personal kingdom, as is my right."

"Mercy is a luxury that leaders cannot afford."

"I wear the finest clothes because a leader must embody superiority."

"The constitution is merely a piece of paper that I control."

"I am the eternal father of this nation, and fathers must rule absolutely."

"Dissent is not tolerated—harmony is maintained through obedience."

"My vision for Africa is singular, and it will not be questioned."

"I have transformed a colonial possession into a personal domain."